Baltic Sea under water: Current water levels and storm surge warnings!

Baltic Sea under water: Current water levels and storm surge warnings!

On June 25, 2025, the Baltic Sea will once again be in focus when it comes to water levels and the risk of storm surges. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where the coastline is varied and picturesque at the same time, the current water levels are documented at various measuring stations, including Wismar, Warnemünde and Greifswald. This shows us how important it is to monitor this, especially given the often unpredictable weather patterns and rising temperatures.

The last few months have not been without their challenges. The significant fluctuations in water levels and the dangers caused by storm surges should not be underestimated. According to reports from Ostsee-Zeitung there is a persistent trend that brings obstacles for the coastal regions. The average water level in Warnemünde is 507 cm, while the highest flood level in historical record was an impressive 770 cm on November 13, 1872.

Safe Coasts: An Important Concern

Storm surges are divided into different classes, and the severity of the flood can have far-reaching consequences. One speaks of a normal storm surge when the water level is between 1.00 and 1.25 meters above the average water level. But the higher the levels, the more alarming the situation becomes. The last severe storm surge in October 2024 left traces worth around 56 million euros in damage. The city of Sassnitz was particularly affected, as it urgently needs 42 million euros to restore its infrastructure.

All it takes is a strong wind to get the water masses moving, and the reports from the Federal Institute for Hydraulic Engineering (https://www.bsh.de/DE/DATEN/Vorhersagen/Wasserstand_Ostsee/wasserstand_ostsee_node.html) provide impressive evidence of this. The hydrological situation as well as information on the water level and water temperature are evaluated here on a monthly basis. The meteorological conditions that can lead to storm surges are also being closely examined. Local measures, such as diking rivers, have a direct impact on water levels and can significantly increase storm surge water levels.

A look into the future

In times when climate change is becoming more noticeable, the question arises as to how many more storm surges we can expect. Historical records show that such natural events have been documented over the last 2,000 years, but while the number may not necessarily increase, they could result in greater damage under the same conditions. According to current forecasts, the situation remains tense, especially in our coastal areas, where the forces of nature continue to show the great danger they pose.

The storm surges on the Baltic Sea should not be underestimated. As the Federal Environment Agency states, sea level rise is an additional challenge. In addition to the extreme weather conditions, now is the time to act proactively and strengthen coastal protection measures. This is the only way to counteract the impending danger. Let us remain vigilant and take preventative measures to safeguard our coastal heritage.