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Storm surges on the Baltic Sea: Current levels and safety information
On September 21st, 2025, current water levels on the Baltic Sea show how often storm surges affect the region and what warning measures are being taken.
Storm surges on the Baltic Sea: Current levels and safety information
On September 21, 2025, the water levels in the Bay of Kiel and the entire Baltic Sea region are very high. Storm surges on the Baltic Sea coast occur several times a year and recent seasons have shown that weather conditions are putting increasing price pressure on coastal residents. According to [kn-online.de]. Five storm surges recorded in 2022/2023. A similar picture is seen for the current season, with weather conditions bringing even more uncertainty.
Low water, on the other hand, is rarer. Four low water events were recorded here in the 2021/2022 season and only two in the 2022/2023 season. The water levels vary greatly, with the different storm surge classes on the German Baltic Sea coast being clearly defined. A storm surge is described as mild from 1.00 meters above the mean water level, while extreme storm surges can reach values beyond 2.00 meters.
Water levels on September 21, 2025
The current water levels show some relevant values:
| waters | Water level (cm) | Diff. to the middle water |
|---|---|---|
| North Sea | 488 | -16cm |
| sturgeon | 619 | 0 cm |
| Elbe | 548 | +68cm |
| Eider | 469 | 0 cm |
Flood warnings in Germany are regulated by the Civil Protection and Disaster Relief Act. If water levels are dangerous, the flood control center is active and warnings can be issued via various channels, such as radio, television or even digital billboards. It is important to take the right measures in times of storm surges: from turning off gas and electricity to preparing emergency numbers such as 112 (fire department) and 110 (police).
The effects of global warming
The fear of severe storm surges is real and is exacerbated by climate change. According to Deutschlandfunk, the Baltic Sea coast experienced one of the worst storm surges in 150 years in October 2023, which led to enormous property damage. The probability of storm surges has increased significantly, a point that is raised in IPCC forecasts. Sea level rise of up to 1.8 meters by 2100 would mean such events could become more common in the future. Many coastal towns are only inadequately protected because the Baltic Sea coast is only 30 percent diked, in contrast to the North Sea coast, which is completely protected by dikes.
But it's not just during storm surges that people are concerned about the future weather situation. The people in the region should also be aware of the possible consequences. All in all, one thing remains clear: Coastal protection measures urgently need to be adapted, be it through the construction of higher dikes or through nature-based protection measures.
The need for action is clear and the population is called upon to prepare for the challenges of the coming years in good time. In summary, it can be said that the current water levels and the unpredictable storm surges in the Baltic Sea are not only a local but also a global problem.