DWD Warns of Persistent Drought Through September: Soils in Southern Germany in Some Areas Drier Than in 2018 and 2022

Offenbach – Dry conditions in Germany are continuing to worsen. Particularly in the southern central regions and the south of the country, soils have become exceptionally dry and are in some areas even drier than during the drought years of 2018 and 2022. According to the German Weather Service (DWD), no relief is currently in sight, and dry conditions could persist until the beginning of September.

Since March, precipitation levels across almost all of Germany have remained below the long-term average. Southern central Germany and the south have been particularly affected. The consequences are becoming increasingly visible in agriculture and natural ecosystems, while the risk of wildfires has risen significantly.

Almost 30 Percent Less Precipitation Than Usual Since November

According to calculations by IWR based on DWD data, precipitation in Germany totalled around 420 litres per square metre from the beginning of November 2025 to the end of July 2026. The long-term average for the period 1991 to 2020 is around 586 litres per square metre. This represents a deficit of almost 30 percent compared with normal levels. According to the DWD, this period has been drier since records began in 1882 only twice before.

Precipitation was distributed very unevenly in both time and location. During the winter of 2025/26, Germany received around 135 litres per square metre, compared with an average of 190 litres per square metre for the 1991–2020 reference period. This corresponds to a deficit of around 29 percent. The relatively wet February only temporarily reduced the deficit that had built up beforehand. In spring, Germany received just around 126 litres per square metre, compared with 171 litres per square metre in the long-term average — a shortfall of around 26 percent.

Drought conditions intensified again significantly in July. Germany received only around 40 litres per square metre of precipitation nationwide, compared with an average of 87 litres per square metre for the 1991–2020 period. This means that less than half of the usual precipitation amount was recorded.

Soil Moisture in Southern Germany in Some Areas Below 2018 and 2022 Levels

Soil moisture conditions are particularly critical in southern Germany. The extreme heatwave in the second half of June caused soil moisture levels to decline further due to high evaporation rates. Since the end of June, local showers and thunderstorms have often been insufficient to compensate for the deficit.

Across Germany, soil moisture levels in the upper 60 centimetres of soil have frequently remained only slightly above the levels recorded during the drought years of 2018 and 2022 since the end of May. In southern Germany, soils in 2026 have been even drier in many areas.

The effects are becoming increasingly apparent in agriculture. While cereals and rapeseed have been comparatively less affected, crops such as maize, sugar beet, and potatoes are suffering particularly from water shortages. According to the DWD, significant regional damage is possible. In some areas, grassland harvests have already failed. For fruit crops and young grapevines, more severe damage can only be prevented in some regions through irrigation.

Wildfire Risk: 22 Days Instead of 10 With High Hazard Levels

The risk of wildfires is also significantly above the long-term average. By 2 August, the national average wildfire danger index had already reached at least level 4 out of 5 on around 22 days. In the 1991–2020 reference period, the figure was only around ten days by the same date.

A similar trend can be seen in the grassland fire index. In 2026, at least 33 days with a hazard level of 4 or higher had already been recorded by 2 August, compared with 18 days on average over the long term.

No Relief in Sight – Dry Conditions Could Continue Until September

For the coming weekend and the second week of August, the DWD expects predominantly dry weather, with temperatures becoming temporarily hot to very hot, particularly in southern Germany. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible, but widespread rainfall is not currently expected.

Forecasts for soil moisture conditions through the beginning of September also indicate drier-than-average conditions compared with the mean of the past 20 years. The DWD therefore expects impacts on natural ecosystems and agriculture to increase further in the coming weeks, with periods of elevated wildfire risk continuing.

Source: IWR Online, 07 Aug 2026