Compared to the long-term average, the monthly rainfall amounts were significantly higher or lower. The precipitation followed a seasonally atypical pattern. In very wet months, rainfall amounts were twice or more than twice as high. Temperatures were also one degree Celsius above the long-term average.
"The results of the Hydrological Annual Report show that the effects of climate change are also noticeable in Saarland. Although the Pentecost flood did not play a role during the reporting period, it was overall too wet and too warm even before that," says Environment Minister Petra Berg. "This means that we must prepare for increasing weather extremes in the coming years. Therefore, it is important to take precautionary measures to adapt to the changing climate impacts."
The Hydrological Annual Report is published every two years. Its purpose is to capture, analyze, and evaluate the meteorological and hydrological situation in the state. Saarland collects the necessary data for this using its own state monitoring network. This data is supplemented by third-party data, processed in a database, and constantly updated. The data pool forms the basis for assessing water management issues and carrying out water management planning.
The results in detail:
In 2023, an average precipitation level of 1149 mm was recorded for the Saarland. This value is thus above 1100 mm again for the first time in over 20 years. With a deviation of approximately 250 mm compared to the long-term average of 899 mm, the year was very rainy.
It was noticeable that in almost every month there were deviations from the long-term monthly averages: particularly the very wet months of March, August, October, and November stood out with double or more than double the usual amount of precipitation. Meanwhile, the months of February, May, June, and September were very dry. From October onwards, a very wet hydrological winter 2023/2024 set in, during which each month recorded a significant precipitation surplus.
The flood and heavy rain events in 2023 occurred within the now customary range. In addition to the typical smaller floods in January/February and November/December, the summer months were characterized by several local heavy rain events, with intense heavy rain recorded on three days. No extremely severe heavy rainfalls were recorded in 2023.
The low water situation was relaxed due to the very high precipitation levels in 2023. There were only two short low water periods during the relatively dry intervals of June/July and September/October.
The average annual temperature in Saarland in 2023 was 11.8 degrees Celsius. It was one degree Celsius above the long-term average of 10.8 degrees Celsius. In principle, every month was warmer compared to the long-term monthly averages – with the exception of April, July, and August. Notably, the months of June and September were significantly too warm and also very dry. The two hydrological summer (2023) and winter halves (2023/2024) were also warmer compared to the long-term average.
