In southern Germany, last autumn was the warmest since records began in 1881 – i.e. for 142 years. The average temperature in the Free State was 11.1 degrees between September and November. That is 7.9 degrees above the average for the internationally valid reference period from 1961 to 1990. At the same time, it was very wet. The German Weather Service (DWD) announced this on Wednesday in Offenbach after an initial evaluation of its approximately 2,000 measuring stations.
Despite the unusually high temperatures, Bavaria, along with Thuringia, was the coolest region in Germany in autumn. An average of 11.5 degrees was measured nationwide. Even with a cold December in Germany, this is likely to be the second warmest year since measurements began. What is already certain is that it was the 13th autumn that was too warm in a row and the second warmest since records began.
Bavarian sun worshipers were able to enjoy the sun particularly well this autumn: the Free State leads the ranking of the sunniest federal states this year. “The autumn sun was visible for a whopping 450 hours – thanks to the second sunniest September,” said the DWD. It was particularly friendly in the southeast of Bavaria with more than 500 hours of sunshine. The average of the reference period, however, is only 335 hours of sunshine.
At the same time, there was also above-average rainfall. In the Free State, 245 liters per square meter were measured; in the reference period the average was 204 liters. “In the Alps, over 500 liters per square meter rained down locally,” said the DWD.
For statistics, meteorologists summarize the seasons into whole months: September, October and November therefore form the meteorological autumn. The calendar or astronomical beginning of autumn this year was on the equinox on September 23rd.