Severe Storm Joshua Sweeps Germany with Stormy Winds and Snow Forecast
Germany faces severe weather from Storm Joshua with strong winds, heavy rain, and snow expected through the weekend.
- • Storm Joshua hit Germany starting October 23 with winds up to 130 km/h and heavy rain according to the DWD.
- • Northern Germany faces strong gusts along the North Sea; southern and mountainous areas expect heavy rainfall.
- • Weather warnings are issued with a live map tracking the storm's severity across the country.
- • By Sunday, rain and snow are expected with temperatures dropping between 7 and 13 degrees, colder in mountainous areas.
Key details
Germany is bracing for the severe storm "Sturmtief Joshua," which began impacting the country on Thursday, October 23, 2025, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall, and a significant drop in temperatures. According to meteorologist Simon Trippler from the Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD), hurricane-force gusts up to 130 km/h are expected, especially in higher altitudes, with rainfall reaching up to 40 liters per square meter in mountainous regions. The storm's initial effects struck western and southwestern Germany with widespread rain and thunderstorms throughout the day.
The DWD has issued official weather warnings and is providing a live map showing areas of severe weather alerts. Northern Germany, particularly along the North Sea coast, faces the risk of strong wind gusts, while southern and mountainous regions should prepare for heavy rain.
The storm will persist through the weekend, maintaining stormy conditions and a noteworthy temperature decline. On Sunday, Germany can expect rainy weather nationwide, with snowfall predicted in higher elevations around 1,000 meters. Temperatures are forecasted to hover between 7 and 13 degrees Celsius, dropping to around 5 degrees in mountainous areas. Additionally, fresh to stormy west winds may cause storm gusts in high altitudes and along the North Sea coast. Overnight periods will remain wet and windy with sleet or snow rain at higher altitudes. Nighttime lows will range between 2 and 7 degrees, with coastal regions remaining milder at approximately 9 degrees.
The evolving weather pattern positions "Sturmtief Joshua" as the first major autumn storm this season, with potentially hazardous conditions continuing potentially into the next week.