Recorddürre in Potsdam: Lowest precipitation since 1893!

Recorddürre in Potsdam: Lowest precipitation since 1893!

In the first half of 2025, the lowest precipitation has been measured on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam since the beginning of the records in 1893. This is reported by the rbb24 . With only 146.8 millimeters of precipitation, it is less than in the previous record year 1942, when 158.5 millimeters were registered. In the long term, there is about twice the value of this location, since an average of around 300 millimeters of rainfall falls in the first half of the year.

January 2025 was characterized by strong rainfall, while it decreased sharply from February and almost completely failed to do in March. The ZDF emphasizes that March 2025 has been the driest since the beginning of the recordings in Germany. In addition, the German Weather Service (DWD) confirmed that there was a nationwide lack of precipitation between November 2024 and the end of June 2025.

extreme drought and their effects

In addition, the drought monitor of the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research shows that the top floor up to 25 centimeters deep in spring 2025 was more affected by drought than in all years since 1950. This has a significant impact on agriculture. Farmers are increasingly forced to artificially water their fields in order to keep the plants alive. But the uncertain water supply could lead to crop failures, since many plants urgently need water.

The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research reports a drought record that heavily burdens agricultural production and water supply. In addition, forests have been suffering from visible damage from the continued dryness and the resulting higher temperatures that increase the water requirements of the vegetation, such as Deutschlandfunk

• The drought monitor shows decreasing moisture in the upper layers of soil.
• falling river level, such as on the Rhine, and extreme low water on Lake Constance are visible signs of drought.
• insects and animals that rely on moist habitats are particularly affected.
• The BUND for the Environment and Nature Conservation Germany (BUND) calls for measures to restore damaged habitats.

climate change has increased the average temperature in Germany by about two degrees Celsius and thus reinforces the effects of dryness. The EU Commission warns of the ecological consequences of low water in rivers, which could also result in far-reaching consequences for drinking water supply, agriculture and shipping.

The intensifying situation illustrates the need for climate protection measures and a change in agriculture and industry. Suggestions such as intermediate memory and retention basin could help improve the water balance and to promote the formation of groundwater.