Germany sees 'worrying' record dry spell in early 2025

Germany's environment minister on Wednesday warned of a high risk of forest fires and poor harvests after a "worrying" lack of rain in recent weeks. From February 1 to April 13, Germany saw 40 litres of rainfall per square metre, its lowest level since records began in 1931, and according to the German Weather Service (DWD) .

The record for the period had previously dated back to 1976, when rainfall was 55 litres per square metre. Northwest Germany saw around 35 percent less rain than usual, while some southeastern regions saw between 50 and 80 percent less, according to the DWD. 

Many parts of northern Europe have seen unusually low rainfall this year, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and countries around the Baltic Sea. This contrasts with southern Europe, including Spain and Portugal, where rainfall has been up to twice the usual amount.

"Significant rainfall" expected next week in Germany should alleviate the drought "at least in some areas", the DWD said.