Germany is bracing for a tense weather situation over the Easter weekend of 2025, with the German Weather Service (DWD) issuing warnings for strong thunderstorms and severe heavy rain across several regions. On Ostersonntag, April 20, 2025, the country will face dynamic weather developments fueled by a low-pressure system moving in from the southwest.
From the early afternoon of Ostersonntag, areas in central Germany, including Hessen, Rheinland-Pfalz, and Thüringen, can expect numerous, potentially strong thunderstorms. The DWD predicts heavy rainfall ranging from 15 to 25 liters per square meter, with localized areas experiencing even more intense downpours. Specifically, regions along the orography and those with merging thunderstorm cells may see severe heavy rain of about 30 liters per square meter within a short time frame.
In southern and eastern Germany, particularly in Bayern, Baden-Württemberg, and Sachsen, individual thunderstorms are expected to bring larger hail and squalls with wind speeds up to 85 km/h, accompanied by heavy rain of approximately 15 liters per square meter within an hour. The thunderstorms are predicted to move from the center of the country toward the northwest and northeast as the night progresses into Ostermontag, April 21, 2025.
The DWD has raised alarms about the potential for severe weather, warning that the combination of heavy rainfall, squalls, and hail poses a high risk, particularly in the identified risk areas. Severe heavy rain could lead to flooding, traffic disruptions, and property damage. Residents are urged to take precautions and heed the warnings from the weather service.
As the DWD explains, the impending storm is driven by a front system that brings very mild, unstable sea air from France, which is expected to increase the risk of showers and thunderstorms. This weather pattern comes after weeks of dry conditions, which makes the arrival of such intense precipitation all the more significant.
On Ostermontag, the weather will remain unsettled, with strong thunderstorms likely in western Germany during the day. The DWD forecasts heavy rain, small hail, and stormy gusts of force 8 from the southwest. Furthermore, the risk of significant thunderstorms will persist on Tuesday, April 22, particularly in the north and southeastern regions near the Alps, where squalls and local heavy rain are anticipated.
In Cologne, the forecast indicates a maximum temperature of 18 degrees Celsius on Ostersonntag, but with a 90 percent chance of rain, residents should not forget their umbrellas. The Rhine level in Cologne has already risen to 1.78 meters as of Saturday, April 19, and is expected to exceed two meters by Sunday due to the anticipated rainfall.
Despite the unpleasant weather forecast, the DWD notes that the rain could have some positive effects, such as alleviating the low water levels that have affected shipping on the Rhine. However, the potential for severe weather remains a pressing concern.
In summary, the DWD has issued a red alarm band on their warning map that stretches across the middle of Germany, indicating the areas most at risk. This band extends from North Rhine-Westphalia through Hessen, Lower Saxony, Thüringen, and into northern Bavaria. An orange area surrounding this red band marks additional weather hazards, affecting parts of Rheinland-Pfalz, Sachsen-Anhalt, Sachsen, and Baden-Württemberg.
As the Easter weekend approaches, the DWD encourages the public to stay informed about the weather conditions and to remain vigilant, as the situation could evolve rapidly. The combination of high rainfall, squalls, and hail creates an environment ripe for severe thunderstorms, which could lead to significant impacts across the affected regions.
In conclusion, the Easter weekend of 2025 is shaping up to be marked by severe weather across Germany, with strong thunderstorms and heavy rain posing risks to safety and property. Residents are advised to keep abreast of updates from the DWD and to take any necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property from the impending storms.
