2024 in Saxony warmest year since weather records

With an increase of 2.8 degrees compared to the same period in the previous year, last year was the warmest since weather records began in Saxony in 1881 and "extremely too warm". This means that the warming trend not only continued, "but also accelerated significantly compared to the last two warmest years, 2022 and 2023", said Daniel Hertel from the State Office for the Environment, Agriculture and Geology (LfULG). The number of hours of sunshine rose by 20 percent and the summer was "extremely sunny". The climatic water balance is negative despite a small surplus in precipitation - also due to increased evaporation caused by high temperatures.

Heat hotspots Lusatia and Chemnitz region

Six of the last seven years were among the warmest ever, said Hertel. The hotspots were Lusatia and Central Saxony around the city of Chemnitz. In terms of precipitation, some regions were significantly too dry, others too wet. Overall, 2024 was characterized by great contrasts, with effects on the environment, agriculture and forestry. For example, due to the premature start of vegetation or too much water due to rain instead of snow in winter. There was also an unusual late frost, which led to yield losses in fruit growing and viticulture, but also in oak seeds - or to a decrease in fertility in dairy cows due to heat stress.

Worsening groundwater situation and poorer air quality

The groundwater situation is currently worsening again. "The groundwater levels are already below average again," said Andy Philipp, water researcher at the LfULG. Without above-average precipitation, there is a threat of low water again in May. Currently, 67 percent of surface water measuring points are 23 centimetres below the long-term average. Air quality also decreased last year due to many pollutants, with ozone levels remaining moderate despite an unusually early rise in April.

The LfULG experts unanimously stated that more "tools" are needed to counter the increasing fluctuations expected in the future in all areas. In the area of water, the management of reservoirs is already helping, research is also being carried out into new plant varieties suitable for the conditions and there is also appropriate technology to protect against late frosts.