This data visualization illustrates the severe deficit of recent rainfall.
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For the past several months, it's been scorching dry in Germany. The soil is parched, and there's barely a drop to be found. Without a sudden downpour, this year could break a historic record from 1893.
A Historic Dry Stretch
It's been a bone-dry spring in Germany this year, with hardly any rainfall compared to typical levels. In fact, according to ntv.de, only 58 liters per square meter have fallen nationwide from the beginning of March to mid-May—less than a third of the usual rainfall for this time of year. This dry spell is even more alarming when compared to the worst drought phases in German history. In 1893, at least 85.3 liters per square meter fell on average, and in spring 2011, it was still 89.5 liters per square meter. To avoid a new negative record, it would take a torrential rainstorm.
Unsubstantial Rainfall Incoming
The gap between this year's rainfall and the average is colossal. Ntv.de weather expert Bjoern Alexander explains that to achieve a balanced rainfall balance by the end of May, about 120 liters per square meter are still missing. Such a "concentrated water load" isn't expected according to current forecasts. While the models predict a possible shift in weather patterns, only 20 to 50 additional liters can be expected in some regions, nowhere near enough to reach the 120-liter target.
The regions most severely affected by this historic dry spell are already noticing its consequences. The Drought Monitor of the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) shows that large parts of Germany are already experiencing "extreme" or "exceptional" drought. Around 30 percent of Germany's total area has been affected by "extreme" drought, and another 23 percent by "exceptionally severe" drought.
Agricultural Impact
So far, the effects on agriculture are limited, but if the dry weather persists, this could become a major problem. Autumn-sown crops like rapeseed and winter cereals benefit from the moisture stored in the subsoil. However, spring-sown crops like corn, sugar beets, and summer cereals are at risk if the topsoil dries out. The roots of these crops don't reach the deeper water reserves, potentially leading to slower growth and smaller yields.
On the Horizon
While the moisture reserves in the deeper soil layers are currently well-filled, forests can likely be supplied with sufficient water for a longer period. However, if the dry weather persists in the coming months, this could become a severe problem for agriculture and food security.
- Weather
- Extreme Weather
- Drought
- Climate Change
Enrichment Data:
- The current 2025 drought in Germany is one of the worst in modern history and stands out when compared to historical records and past worst drought phases.
- Germany's drought is part of a larger pattern of intensifying drought conditions across central and eastern Europe. Many regions are experiencing warning-level drought and growing hydrological stress.
- The unprecedented dryness is linked to unusually warm weather and low rainfall since early 2025, conditions not commonly seen in recent decades.
- The drought has caused notable drops in water levels of major rivers like the Rhine, disrupting cargo transport and increasing logistical costs.
- The drought has impacted agriculture, with half of Germany experiencing extreme topsoil drought, posing threats to crop yields and raising concerns about food security.
- The ongoing drought in Germany, a historic event in modern history, has been exacerbated by the lack of rainfall in science and climate-change studies, with the dry spell being more severe than that of 1893 or the spring of 2011.
- As the dry spell continues, community policy and employment policies within the agricultural sector may need to be reevaluated to address potential food security issues, especially for spring-sown crops like corn and sugar beets, as the taps of Mother Nature remain stubbornly dry.
