As severe weather conditions sweep across Germany, the German Weather Service (DWD) has issued thunderstorm warnings for central and eastern regions, including areas around Berlin and Cologne. On Friday, May 2, 2025, thunderstorms are expected to initiate around 4 PM near Hannover, intensifying into the evening. This weather front will bring significant rainfall, with predictions of up to 50 liters per square meter, hail, and hurricane-force gusts reaching speeds of up to 110 km/h.
In Berlin, heavy rain and strong gusts are anticipated, particularly as the core of the storm moves towards the airport. The thunderstorm activity is expected to subside after 11 PM, shifting towards Poland. However, the severe weather will not end there; Saturday, May 3, 2025, will see the arrival of additional storms, starting with rain between Cologne and Dresden in the morning.
By late afternoon, severe thunderstorms are likely to develop, especially in Saxony, with the possibility of supercells forming. Meteorologists warn that the tornado risk will increase as conditions worsen, particularly from 7 PM when a thunderstorm wave is expected to form between Ulm and Nuremberg. With the warm air over Germany set to be replaced by cool polar air by Sunday evening, the weather is about to take a dramatic turn.
In a related note, residents of Cologne, who enjoyed warm temperatures reaching nearly 30 degrees Celsius just days ago, will now face a stark drop as the severe weather front arrives. The DWD forecasts that on Saturday, temperatures will range between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius, with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected to hit the region. Rainfall amounts could reach between 20 to 30 liters per square meter, with localized areas potentially seeing up to 60 liters.
As the storms approach, the DWD has issued an official warning for parts of North Rhine-Westphalia, including the Rhein-Berg and Rhein-Sieg districts, as well as the city of Bonn, highlighting the potential for severe thunderstorms. Residents are advised to seek shelter during the storms, as the risk of hail and strong gusts persists.
Interestingly, a Saharan dust cloud is also expected to spread over Germany on Saturday, which could potentially dampen the intensity of the thunderstorms. This dust is often a variable in weather predictions, and many are hoping it will mitigate the severe conditions.
As the weekend progresses, temperatures will continue to plummet, with lows expected to drop to as low as 5 degrees Celsius in some areas, and even lower in the uplands. The DWD is warning that frost is a possibility as the weather system moves eastward into the following week.
In summary, Germany is bracing for a weekend of tumultuous weather, with thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds posing risks across various regions. Residents are urged to stay informed and prepared as the situation develops.
