Live · Heavy rain · Germany & worldwide
Heavy rain can flood roads, basements and underpasses in minutes – especially after dry spells and in urban areas. The rain radar shows where intense precipitation is falling right now and where it is moving.
Live radar: current view and timelapse of the last hour (▶ bottom left on the map).
Heavy rain shows as intense, often sharply bounded radar reflectivity. In the timelapse of the last hour you see whether a cell is stationary over a city – the classic scenario for flooding in Berlin, Cologne, Munich or other densely built areas.
Switch between live radar and forecast: for the next few minutes the timelapse is decisive, for the rest of the day the model forecast in the Forecast tab.
Very dark radar colors mean heavy precipitation. In the timelapse you see whether the cell is heading toward you.
Long-lasting dark areas over the same region increase flood risk – even without thunderstorms.
Check DWD heavy rain warnings in parallel – they can be issued before rain is visible on the radar.
Alpine foothills, Rhine-Main, Eifel and coastal regions repeatedly see extreme hourly totals. Urbanization amplifies risk: sealed surfaces channel water quickly into drains and underpasses. Rural valley locations are vulnerable to hillside runoff.
Zoom to your district and compare with weather warnings. A yellow or orange heavy rain warning means: act, do not just watch.
When uncertain stay home or move to higher ground. Do not block emergency routes. Seek shelter away from power lines and trees if thunderstorms are involved.
After the event: document damage, inform your insurer, enter basements only with adequate ventilation – backflow and gas leaks are risks.
Notable weather with possible disruptions. Stay informed and adapt your plans.
Hazards for outdoor activities. Take precautions and reduce time outside.
Dangerous severe weather with risk to people and property. Seek sheltered areas.
Exceptional danger. Seek shelter immediately and follow official advice.
See all current alerts in detail on the weather alerts page.
Underpasses: Never drive through flooded roads or underpasses – even 30 cm of water can wash vehicles away.
Basements: During prolonged heavy rain backflow is possible – move valuables to higher levels in time.
Slopes: Hillside runoff and landslide risk on steep embankments – especially after prior drought.
Thunderstorms: Heavy rain often occurs in thunderstorm cells – watch lightning risk and seek shelter.
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