Overview

• March 2025 recorded one of the lowest precipitation levels in Germany since 1881, with northern regions experiencing soil moisture deficits up to 20% below long-term minimums.
• High-pressure weather systems dominated throughout March, bringing 199 hours of sunshine—nearly double the historical average for the month.
• The dry conditions have significantly increased forest fire risks and created challenges for agriculture, particularly for crops like summer grains and sugar beets that rely on spring moisture.
• Ecological impacts include stress on plants, insects, and insect-dependent species such as songbirds, while some species like the European hare have temporarily benefited from the dry weather.
• The March drought follows an unusually dry winter, with only 86% of typical precipitation levels, underscoring a broader trend of increasing spring droughts linked to climate change.