On April 17, 2025, the Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) issued a series of weather warnings across various regions in Germany, highlighting the potential for severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. The warnings, which included wind gusts and heavy rain, prompted officials to advise residents to stay indoors and secure loose objects.
In the eastern Main-Kinzig-Kreis, an orange-level warning was issued from 21:01 to 22:00, alerting residents to thunderstorms with wind gusts reaching up to 70 km/h (about 43 mph) and heavy rain that could amount to between 15 to 20 liters per square meter per hour. "Please take care and pay attention to updates," the DWD cautioned, emphasizing the severity of the weather conditions.
Meanwhile, in Hamburg, the DWD lifted a severe weather warning that had been in effect for over 350 municipalities in Schleswig-Holstein. The previous night had seen a thunderstorm front sweep through the region, bringing with it gusty winds, heavy rain, and even hail. By Thursday morning, the forecast indicated heavily clouded skies with occasional showers, but the worst of the storm had passed. Temperatures in Hamburg were expected to remain cool, between 11 and 15 degrees Celsius, with the island of Helgoland experiencing even lower temperatures of around 9 degrees Celsius.
Despite the lifting of the warning in Hamburg, the weather remained unpredictable. Wind gusts of approximately 55 km/h (34 mph) were still expected along the coasts. As the night approached, the DWD predicted showers with a slight chance of thunderstorms, with temperatures dropping to between 6 and 9 degrees Celsius. Friday’s forecast called for more of the same, with mostly overcast skies and occasional rain showers.
In the Hochtaunuskreis region of Hessen, another weather warning was issued just after 21:47 on April 17, predicting thunderstorms until 23:00. This warning detailed wind gusts that could reach up to 60 km/h (37 mph) and emphasized the dangers of lightning and flying debris. A second warning for severe thunderstorms was also put in place, forecasting similar wind speeds of up to 70 km/h and heavy rainfall. Residents were advised to avoid outdoor activities and seek shelter indoors, particularly near bodies of water.
As the storms progressed, the DWD noted that moderate rain was currently affecting the Hochtaunuskreis, with temperatures sitting around 7 degrees Celsius and humidity levels at 88%. The hourly forecast indicated a steady increase in precipitation, predicting 100% chance of rain by midnight.
In a separate incident earlier in the week, Bavaria faced its own weather challenges. On April 15, thunderstorms swept across the state, resulting in significant flooding in areas such as Langenzenn in Landkreis Fürth, where the main street was temporarily submerged under water. The official thunderstorm warning for this region had been set at level 2, indicating a serious risk to residents.
Herzogenaurach in Erlangen-Höchstadt also experienced flooding, with some streets inundated and basement areas filled with water. Adding to the chaos, hail accumulated several centimeters high in the streets and fields, creating what one resident described as a "winter landscape." Inge Düngfelder, a local resident, expressed her frustration as she attempted to clear her driveway with a snow shovel while water flooded into her home. "Chaos! This has gotten worse," she remarked, reflecting the disarray caused by the storms.
While the severe weather brought challenges, it also provided a moment of joy for some children, who found delight in playing in the hail that had collected in the ditches. One mother remarked, "I've never seen so much hail before," as her children played in the unusual spring weather.
As the week progresses, meteorologists predict that the weather will remain changeable, with a mix of rain and cloudy skies expected in many areas. The DWD has advised residents to stay informed about the weather conditions and to heed any warnings issued.
As Germany continues to navigate the unpredictable spring weather, officials stress the importance of safety and preparedness. The DWD will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed, ensuring that residents are kept informed of any potential dangers from severe weather.
In conclusion, the recent thunderstorms across Germany serve as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being vigilant during severe weather events. Residents are urged to stay updated on forecasts and to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.
