Intensified downpours predicted by German meteorological authority.

Future Disaster Preparation Strategies Revealed by Expert Analysis of Data Spanning Two Decades, Highlighting Necessary Steps for Emergency Responders and Insurers.

, and Administrator

2025 September 13 . 11:13 AM

2 min read

Increased instances of heavy rainfall expected according to Germany's meteorological authorities.

Intensified downpours predicted by German meteorological authority.

In a groundbreaking study titled Klamex, an international research group, including Austrian, German, and other experts, has revealed that the form of storms is changing, with more frequent small-scale heavy rain expected. The study, conducted by the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief, Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance, Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development, and German Weather Service, analysed rainfall data from 2001 to 2020.

The Austrian research team used detailed data collected in Austria over more than a century to demonstrate the influence of climate change on short-term precipitation and flood events. Their findings suggest that the number of intense extreme weather events could increase even further in the future, posing a significant threat to populated areas.

The specific danger from heavy rain is crucially dependent on local conditions. However, the study highlights that heavy rain can affect anyone and the problem will worsen in a warmer future. Locations of fire brigade deployments are significantly more frequent in low-lying areas and at heavily populated, sealed locations. Not every heavy rain event occurring over a populated area causes damage and subsequent deployments, but the continuous growth in the area affected by heavy rain is a cause for concern.

Short extreme heavy rain is predicted to become larger in area and slightly more intense. This could lead to more frequent small-scale and intense heavy rain episodes in the future. The study also emphasises the importance of data and analyses in addressing the problem of heavy rain in a warmer future.

To combat this growing issue, it is urgent to act to limit the temperature rise that intensifies rainfall extremes through climate protection measures. Building an infrastructure through adaptation measures that can cushion the damage from heavy rain events, especially in urban regions, is necessary. The study's findings underscore the need for immediate action to protect communities from the impacts of climate change.