First red weather alert issued in Denmark as southeast region sees over 130 mm (5.1 inches) of rain

The Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) issued a red weather alert for the first time in its history on July 21–22, as torrential rainfall affected southeastern Denmark.

The alert was active from Monday afternoon until Tuesday evening and was prompted by the accumulation of over 130 mm (5.1 inches) of rain in local areas, significantly exceeding July’s monthly average.

The heaviest precipitation was recorded on Møn island and in the locality of Neble, where totals reached approximately 125–130 mm (4.9–5.1 inches) by midday Tuesday.

In Nykøbing Falster, 86.3 mm (3.4 inches) fell in 24 hours, nearly four times Denmark’s national daily average of 22 mm (0.9 inches). Several other southeastern communities received more than 90 mm (3.5 inches) during the same period.

The extreme event was driven by a stationary frontal system that allowed persistent rainfall to concentrate over specific regions. DMI classified the rainfall as a “very dangerous weather” event, warning that continued heavy precipitation could cause urban flooding, overwhelmed drainage systems, and infrastructure impacts.

In addition to the red alert, an orange alert remained in effect for adjacent areas including Lolland-Falster, southern Zealand, and parts of Funen and Jutland. Cloudburst-level rainfall was recorded in some locations, with localized values exceeding 30 mm (1.2 inches) in 30 minutes, qualifying as double cloudbursts under Danish meteorological classification.

According to DMI, skybrud (cloudburst) events were particularly intense during the evening of July 21 and the early hours of July 22, with Falster recording 77–130 mm (3.0–5.1 inches) of rain during this interval. Authorities activated the National Operative Staff (NOST) to coordinate the emergency response, while the Danish Patient Safety Authority warned of potential health risks from floodwaters contaminated with

While DMI lifted weather alerts in North Jutland and North Zealand, red and orange alerts remained active for southern regions as of Tuesday evening.

References:

¹ Varsler «meget farlig vær» i Danmark. I kveld kan det bli opptil 200 millimeter noen steder – Aftenposten – July 22, 2025

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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