Baltic Sea under pressure: Current water levels cause alarm in MV!

Baltic Sea under pressure: Current water levels cause alarm in MV!

On December 5, 2025, the flood situation on the Baltic Sea coast of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is an explosive topic. Current measurements show that water levels in various regions have risen to remarkable levels. For example, the water level in Wismar is 617 cm, which is just above the mean high water level (MHW) of 617 cm for Warnemünde. For Warnemünde itself, a water level of 623 cm is measured, indicating an increase, while the importance of flood protection measures is once again coming to the fore. The measuring stations in Althagen, Barth, Stralsund, Sassnitz and Greifswald are already showing alarming values.

But what exactly does that mean for the population? Flooding is the most common natural disaster worldwide, and according to Statista, climate change has led to an increase in such events in recent years. The intense rainfall and the failure of infrastructure in endangered zones make it clear that municipalities face many challenges here. It has already been shown in the past that the last major storm surges in October caused significant damage estimated at 56 million euros.

Water levels in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

A further look at the water levels in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania shows that the value in Zingst today is 514 cm, whereas Bodstedt is at 517 cm and Ralswiek is at 513 cm. In the Stepenitz region the water levels have fallen significantly, as can be seen in Börzow (91 cm) and Diedrichshagen (39 cm). These values ​​vary and indicate that the weather situation in the region is subject to major influences.

• Wismar: 617 cm
• Warnemünde: 623 cm
• Zingst: 514 cm
• Bodstedt: 517 cm
• Ralswiek: 513 cm

These values ​​illustrate how badly the Baltic Sea coast can be affected by floods. The declaration on mean low water (MNW) and mean high water (MHW) shows that the data from 2010 to 2020 serves as a basis to better understand the changes. The highest flood in Warnemünde of 770 cm was measured on November 13, 1872 and gives an idea of ​​the potential that extreme weather events have.

Flood protection and precautionary measures

Flood warnings are issued by the federal, state and local flood control centers. These use various channels to inform the population in a timely manner - be it through radio, television, sirens or warning apps. Looking back at the 2021 flood disaster has made it clear how urgent it is to expand flood protection measures. Around 400,000 people in Germany are considered to be at potential risk of flooding, particularly along rivers and in coastal regions.

The coming period will show how efficient the planning and implementation of flood protection measures in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania really is. One thing is clear: natural disasters are not only a constant risk, but also a sign that we need to rethink our risk minimization strategies in order to avoid future damage as much as possible.