As Easter approaches, Germany faces a potential weather crisis, with forecasts predicting extreme rainfall that could exceed 130 liters per square meter in some areas. Meteorologist Dominik Jung from wetter.net has raised alarms about the impending weather patterns, suggesting that this Easter weekend may literally be washed away.
The European weather model ECMWF indicates that from Good Friday to Easter Monday, substantial rain could inundate several states, particularly North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, Lower Saxony, Saarland, and parts of Thuringia and Northern Bavaria. Jung described the situation as reminiscent of a "Mega-Spülung," or mega flush, emphasizing its potential for severe impact.
Adding to the urgency of the situation, March has seen unusually dry conditions across many regions, leaving the soil hard and parched. This means that when the expected heavy rains arrive, they will likely run off the surface instead of being absorbed, significantly increasing the risk of local flash floods. Jung noted that this could lead to water pooling in basements and disrupting transport systems.
In tandem with these warnings, the German Weather Service (DWD) has issued severe weather alerts for various regions. For instance, in the district of Holzminden in Lower Saxony, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the evening of April 16, 2025, predicting wind gusts of up to 65 km/h and heavy rain of up to 25 liters per square meter per hour. A second warning later that evening forecast even stronger winds of around 70 km/h.
The DWD's alerts highlight the dangers posed by thunderstorms, including lightning strikes, falling branches, and the risk of rapid flooding on roads and underpasses. Residents are advised to stay indoors, secure loose objects, and avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding.
Meanwhile, the weather in Bavaria has already taken a turn for the worse. On April 15, 2025, thunderstorms swept through the region, leading to significant flooding in areas like Langenzenn in the district of Fürth, where the main street was temporarily submerged. In Herzogenaurach, streets were also flooded, and several basements suffered water damage. The hail accompanying the storms reached several centimeters in height, transforming the landscape into a winter-like scene.
Inge Düngfelder, a local resident, described the chaos as she cleared her driveway with a snow shovel while water flooded her home. "Chaos! This has gotten worse!" she exclaimed, illustrating the distress felt by many in the affected areas. Despite the challenges, some children found joy in the unusual weather, playing in the hail that had accumulated in the streets.
As of April 16, 2025, no further thunderstorm warnings were in place for Bavaria, but the situation remains dynamic as weather patterns evolve. The impending rain over Easter could lead to significant disruptions, raising concerns not only for local communities but also for travelers and holiday plans.
Experts continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in the face of increasingly volatile weather patterns. The dramatic shifts from drought to potential deluge are indicative of broader climate trends observed globally, where extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe.
With Easter just around the corner, many are left wondering how the weather will affect their plans. Will families be able to enjoy traditional outdoor activities, or will they be forced to stay indoors as rain pours down? The coming days will reveal just how impactful this forecast will be.
As communities brace for the possibility of extreme weather, the hope is that residents will remain vigilant and prepared. The warnings issued by meteorologists and weather services serve as crucial reminders of the power of nature and the need for caution during unpredictable weather events.
