Overview

• Germany is enduring its driest spring since the early 20th century, with only one-third of normal rainfall recorded from January to mid-May 2025.
• Local authorities in Osnabrück and other regions have urged residents to conserve water as surface and subsoil moisture levels reach critical lows.
• Short-term forecasts predict regional showers, thunderstorms, and up to 10 cm of snow in alpine regions, but these are unlikely to significantly alleviate drought conditions.
• Farmers are reporting potential crop yield losses of 20–30% if substantial rain does not arrive within the next two weeks.
• Meteorologists attribute the prolonged dry spell to a stable Omega high-pressure system that blocks Atlantic rain systems, with long-term models divided on whether June will bring meaningful relief.