​Hydro-meteorological extremes, such as floods, heatwaves and droughts, are becoming more intense and frequent worldwide. These developments pose a significant societal challenge in the 21st century as they endanger public health, infrastructure, ecosystems and economic stability. The HydroExtremes of the Helmholtz Forums Earth and Environment (formerly SynCom) within the Helmholtz Research Area E&E addresses this challenge by bringing together experts and strengthening interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary networks within water research in the Helmholtz Association.

The project aims to synthesise research activities across the entire process chain of hydro-meteorological extremes, from atmospheric triggers and hydrological processes to the impacts and damage caused by floods, heat or drought. There is a particular methodological focus on using artificial intelligence and machine learning to further develop forecasting and analysis tools in meteorology, hydrology, and hydrodynamics. Furthermore, the project takes a transdisciplinary approach, engaging in dialogue with decision-makers and other societal stakeholders from practice.

Several key activities have been implemented during the course of the project:

1. Kick-off workshop (15 January 2025, Fulda): During the launch of the project, future activities were discussed and refined collaboratively. Thematic priorities were defined during an interactive World Café session. The discussions focused on the hydro-meteorological process chain, the planned synthesis process and approaches to stakeholder integration.

   

2. Synthese workshop (30 June – 1 July 2025, Karlsruhe): Around 40 researchers from six Helmholtz Centres developed a systematic overview of existing models and datasets on hydrometeorological extremes. Research gaps were identified along the process chain and opportunities for collaboration were highlighted. Strategies were also developed to strengthen networking, particularly with practitioners and decision-makers.

   

3. Synthesis Report: Building on the workshop, a report summarising the current state of models, data, and analytical approaches within Helmholtz E&E is currently being developed. The aim is to identify knowledge gaps, establish research priorities and facilitate dialogue with stakeholders. Key challenges addressed in the report include the growing impact of climate change on the water cycle and the necessity of integrated management strategies for water surpluses and shortages.
4. Stakeholder workshop (14–15 April 2026, Berlin): Representatives from science, government and the private sector participated in cross-sectoral discussions about managing hydrometeorological extremes. The workshop aimed to strengthen cross-sectoral exchange, identify key challenges, and further develop joint, practical solutions (News Forum, News KIT).

   

HydroExtremes trägt wesentlich dazu bei, vorhandenes Wissen in der Wasserforschung zu bündeln und den Transfer in die Praxis zu stärken. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf hydrometeorologischen Extremereignissen. Langfristiges Ziel ist es, die Resilienz von Gesellschaft und Ökosystemen gegenüber diesen Risiken zu erhöhen.