As Germany transitions from a warm May Day to a tumultuous weekend, the German Weather Service (DWD) has issued severe weather warnings across various regions, anticipating intense thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and even the potential for tornadoes.
On May 1, 2025, temperatures soared, with Waghäusel in Baden-Württemberg reaching a sweltering 29.7 degrees Celsius, closely followed by Bad Kreuznach in Rheinland-Pfalz at 29.5 degrees Celsius. The unseasonably hot weather felt more like a summer day than the early days of spring, but it set the stage for a significant weather shift.
Warnings from the DWD indicate that on Friday, May 2, parts of northern and central Germany could face severe thunderstorms. Regions from North Rhine-Westphalia and Southern Lower Saxony to Saxony and Brandenburg are particularly at risk. These supercells are characterized by rotating updrafts and can produce extreme weather phenomena, including heavy rain exceeding 20 liters per square meter in a short period, hailstones up to 3 centimeters in diameter, and storm gusts reaching speeds of 120 km/h.
"On Friday afternoon and evening, severe thunderstorms are expected, especially in the northern central regions of Germany," warns the DWD. The forecast suggests that while the likelihood of tornadoes is low, the potential for damaging winds and hail remains a serious concern.
As the weekend progresses, the weather is expected to remain volatile. On Saturday, May 3, thunderstorms will extend from the Eifel region to Lusatia, with heavy rainfall predicted—up to 30 liters per square meter in just a few hours. In southern Germany, particularly in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and parts of Hesse and Thuringia, the DWD anticipates strong thunderstorms that may produce hail, severe storm gusts, and locally intense rain.
"There is a risk of precipitation amounts reaching up to 30 liters per square meter in a short time," the DWD stated, emphasizing the potential for localized flooding due to the ground's inability to absorb the rain quickly, given the recent dryness.
In the Hochschwarzwald and along the Alpine edge, storm gusts are expected to accompany the thunderstorms. The DWD has issued an official severe weather warning for the entire administrative district of Cologne, where dangers to life and property are significant due to lightning strikes and falling trees. Reports from Middle Hesse noted that two young men were injured when a tree fell on their car during the storm.
In Trier, a brief storm caused a tree crown to collapse onto two moving vehicles, leaving one driver trapped inside and requiring police assistance to rescue him. Fortunately, the passengers in the other car escaped unharmed.
As the cold front from the Baltic Sea progresses southward, it will bring a marked temperature drop, with highs struggling to reach the mid-teens, a stark contrast to the previous week's warmth. This shift in weather is attributed to a cold air mass moving in from the north, colliding with the warm air that had dominated the region.
As the storms continue into the night on Saturday, the DWD warns that the risk of heavy rain will persist, especially in the first half of the night. Rainfall totals could reach up to 40 liters per square meter in some areas, particularly in the Black Forest and Allgäu regions.
On Sunday, May 4, the thunderstorms are expected to revitalize in the southernmost areas, especially in the Alps, where further heavy rain of around 20 liters per square meter is likely. Meanwhile, the northern regions will experience only isolated thunderstorms with gusts up to 60 km/h.
In addition to the rain, a strong northwest wind will blow along the North and Baltic Sea coasts, with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h. This wind will carry on into the night and shift towards the eastern regions of Germany on Sunday.
Looking ahead to Monday, May 5, persistent rain is likely in the Alpine region, with further rainfall expected in areas prone to flooding. Meteorologists also warn of potential ground frost in clear nights, particularly in the north and east of the country.
This sudden weather upheaval has raised concerns among farmers, as the DWD highlighted that the period from early February to mid-April was marked by the most significant drought recorded since 1931. As the weather shifts, the balance between much-needed rain and the risk of flooding presents a complex challenge for the region.
As the weekend unfolds, residents in affected areas are urged to stay vigilant, keep an eye on local weather updates, and prepare for potential disruptions. The DWD continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary.
