There are at least four in Bavaria this year Tornado given. A spokesperson for the German Weather Service (DWD) explained that this was a confirmed case. There are other suspected cases that are still being discussed by tornado experts. “This may result in the figure being corrected slightly upwards.”
According to DWD, a tornado was confirmed on May 28 in Sonnefeld, Upper Franconia (Coburg district), specifically in the Bieberbach district. On the same day there was another tornado in the Haßberge district of Untertheres, Lower Franconia. On June 7, the village of Süß near Hahnbach in the Amberg-Sulzbach district of the Upper Palatinate was affected. On August 22, a waterspout – a tornado over water – was confirmed to have occurred on Lake Constance near Lindau.
So far, 42 cases of tornadoes have been confirmed across Germany, explained DWD expert Tobias Reinartz. He classified 2025 as an average tornado year, as an average of nearly 50 tornadoes per year were recorded in the Federal Republic. “In 2024, 48 tornadoes were confirmed, which is also in line with seasonal averages.”
Tornado experts evaluate photos and videos of the storm
According to meteorologists, this weather phenomenon is caused by a large temperature difference between the ground surface and higher layers of air. This will create a strong upward flow of air in the small space in the cloud. Changes in wind direction and speed with height cause the air to rotate. “A tube of dust and water droplets was created,” the weather service explained. “At the edges, wind speeds can reach several hundred kilometers per hour.”
When investigating suspected tornado cases, DWD relies on photos and videos and also analyzes the damage. As long as there is no clear picture, a hurricane cannot be confirmed or ruled out.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:251117-930-301540/1
