Potsdam Weather Station Reports Driest Start in 130 Years

New Delhi, Jul 1 (PTI): A weather station located in Potsdam, Germany, recognized as one of the world's oldest, has documented its driest first half of the year since it started recording data over 130 years ago, as reported by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).

This weather station, managed by the German Weather Service and in operation since 1893, serves as a significant reference for analyzing climate trends. It plays a vital role in comparing current weather conditions such as temperature, rainfall, and sunshine with established long-term climate patterns.

According to Fred Hattermann, a hydrologist at PIK, "Current data suggests that the Potsdam station recorded an unprecedented low in the first half of 2025: receiving just 146.8 millimetres of rainfall, which is even less than the 158.5 millimetres recorded during the same period in 1942, the previous record low." He further added, "The typical long-term average for this location in the first six months of the year is about 300 millimetres. Despite experiencing heavy rainfall in January throughout Germany, it diminished significantly in February and was nearly absent in March. The subsequent months up to and including June also witnessed below-average rainfall in most parts of Germany."

Peter Hoffmann, a meteorologist at PIK, highlighted that forests are particularly vulnerable to extended dry periods. "The damage inflicted in the last few years is prominently visible in many German regions and remains unaddressed, with the ongoing dry spell intensifying the challenges. Additionally, rising temperatures have increased the water needs for both vegetation and landscapes, as the average temperature in Germany is now around 2 degrees Celsius higher than it was a century ago," he commented.