- Thirty-two twisters have been verified across the nation this year thus far.
As of now, with 32 identified twisters, Germany is shaping up for a typical year when it comes to this type of weather event. The typical average over the past years is 45, mentioned Marcus Beyer, a twister expert at the German Weather Service, during the start of meteorological autumn on September 1st.
"It's important to remember that there are also numerous potential instances beyond the confirmed ones, which will be revisited by Germany's tornado review team in the spring of the subsequent year," stated Beyer. Consequently, some instances might be incorporated into the current temporary tally, potentially pushing the final number of twisters slightly above average.
Beneath the Microscope
"If there aren't any video records of the incident, an on-site examination of the damage is crucial," explained the expert. "The damage layout typically provides definitive proof." A suspected incident in the North Rhine-Westphalian city of Attendorn on August 24, 2024, is currently under investigation. Preliminary findings suggest both a twister and a straight-line wind. "It's quite plausible that this will become case 33 for 2024," added the expert.
The number of twisters in Germany fluctuates significantly from year to year and is influenced by the specific weather conditions, said the meteorologist. "There's neither an upward trend nor a downturn in the number of twisters visible in the statistics since 2000," he said. The connections are quite intricate. One cannot directly attribute an increase in twister incidents to an increase in temperature.
In the field of meteorology, the seasons commence for statistical reasons on the first day of March (spring), June (summer), September (autumn), and December (winter). However, the calendar start is based on Earth's orbit around the sun. The timing varies slightly each year as Earth's orbit and the length of the year do not perfectly align. This year, the calendar start of autumn falls on September 22nd.
"To gain a comprehensive understanding of the number of twisters in Germany, the Commission shall be assisted by the Member States."
"Further insights and potential additions to the twister count can be provided by the Commission, which is assisted by the Member States."
