Storm chaos in Kassel: trees fall on cars and block roads!

Storm chaos in Kassel: trees fall on cars and block roads!

On Wednesday evening, July 2nd, 2025, the city of Kassel was hit by violent squalls, which not only caused emotional distress, but also destroyed branches and fallen trees. The fire brigade was already on duty from 9:30 p.m. to repair the damage in the city area. The Vorderer Westen district was particularly affected, where a tree fell on parked cars and caused considerable damage. Mombachstrasse and Waldau were also not spared from the gusts of wind; here a fallen tree caused a blockage of the road between Nürnberger and Breslauer Strasse.

But the storm didn't stop; branches also fell on vehicles on Akademiestrasse in the southern part of the city. Elsewhere, at Lake Buga, bathers were surprised by unexpectedly strong gusts of wind, sending air mattresses and towels flying wildly through the air. Luckily for passers-by in Karlsaue, the wind caused branches to fall down, but no injuries were reported.

Weather warnings and temperatures

The German Weather Service had already warned in advance of the gusts of strength 2 out of 4, which could reach speeds of 60 to 70 km/h, and even up to 80 km/h in exposed locations. Similar weather events occurred throughout the region, including Giessen, with numerous trees falling, but the initial reports of damage in Kassel remained relatively manageable. Overall, the situation in the Kassel area was largely benign. Although there were isolated reports of trees falling on roads and cars, there was no widespread damage.

What is particularly notable is that Wednesday was the hottest day of the year in Germany, with temperatures reaching 39.3 degrees Celsius in Andernach and around 36 degrees in Kassel. In contrast, temperatures of around 23 degrees Celsius with some heavy rain showers are forecast for the following days.

Climate change and extreme weather

In a larger context, it is important to mention that extreme weather events such as those observed in Kassel will increase in intensity and frequency due to climate change. A study by the World Weather Attribution initiative recently found that climate change doubles the likelihood of such events. The researchers warn that we must prepare for more such events as global warming continues.

The EU has already taken measures to counteract this by providing ten billion euros for emergency repairs. Storm Boris, for example, brought catastrophic rainfall last year. Enclosures and early warning systems have reduced the risk to the population, but people continue to die in these extreme weather situations.

All of these developments make it clear that addressing climate change and its influence on our weather is urgent in urban planning and general public relations. This is the only way to prevent such severe weather events from becoming more frequent in the long term.

Given the chaotic weather conditions of the last few days, it is to be hoped that the coming weeks will be calmer and that the citizens of Kassel will not be surprised by the force of nature again.

For more information on current events, see reports from HNA and hessenschau. For more background knowledge about climate change and its consequences, we recommend taking a look at the analysis daily news.