Thunderstorm and heat wave: Saxony expects a change in the weather!

Thunderstorm and heat wave: Saxony expects a change in the weather!

The weather situation in Saxony is currently causing a lot of interest. According to MDR weather expert Susanne Langhans, an increase in moist air is to be expected in the second half of the week, which increases the likelihood of showers and thunderstorms. On Thursday temperatures are expected to be between 21 and 28 degrees Celsius. But the coming days will also bring cooler moments, because from Friday the wind will blow from the north and northwest, which will bring a significant cooling. However, it remains to be seen whether new temperature records will be achieved. Previous July highs in Saxony are remarkable: 38.8 degrees in Großrückerswalde and in the MDR broadcasting center in Leipzig and 38.2 degrees in Bad Muskau.

One reason for concern is the persistent dryness in Saxony's rivers and streams. The current rainfall values ​​are alarming: in the winter of 2024/25 only 109 liters per square meter fell, well below the average of 152 liters per square meter from the reference period 1961 to 1990. This extreme drought not only has an impact on nature, but also on the water levels of the rivers, which could affect shipping traffic.

Rainfall trends in Germany

A look at the general precipitation situation in Germany shows that there has been a slight, statistically significant increase in precipitation since 1965, as reported by the Federal Environment Agency. While years with above-average rainfall were rare in the past, there have been several very rainy years since the 1960s. However, stable rainfall has not been recorded in recent years, but rather a mix of dry tendencies and phases with above-average rainfall.

The years 2023 and 2024 in particular break the series of very dry years. With 902 mm of precipitation, 2024 was the 12th wettest year since 1881. But the regional differences are enormous: While northwest Germany recorded high amounts of precipitation, Saxony is in a rather below-average range and only comes in 88th out of 144 years.

The look back and forward

Statistics show that temperatures in Saxony have risen on average since 1901. In 2023, Saxony recorded an average temperature of 10.4 °C, while in 1881 the temperature was 16.7 °C. Although rainfall for 2023 deviates from averages, we face the challenge of dealing with the impacts of climate change.

So we have exciting weather developments ahead of us in the coming days. The showers and thunderstorms that are developing, combined with the tropical temperatures, could cause some surprises. One thing is certain: the weather in Saxony remains exciting and we have to monitor developments closely. The MDR continually reports on current weather conditions and developments in the region.

For detailed weather statistics and historical comparisons, it's worth taking a look at the website meteo.plus as well as the comprehensive data of the Federal Environment Agency.