The amounts of precipitation recorded in Bucharest reached the absolute highs of October, between October 5 and 8, while at regional level the highest values were recorded in the south of Muntenia and in western Dobrogea, the Ministry of the Environment, Water and Forestry (MMAP) reported on Friday.
„Between October 5-8, 2025, Romania was affected by the Mediterranean cyclone Barbara, formed over the Ionian Sea and subsequently moved on a trans-Balkan trajectory. The system brought a consistent supply of moisture and caused record amounts of precipitation, especially in the south and south-east of the country. In Bucharest, the absolute highs of October were reached or exceeded: at the Baneasa station, 139.4 l/sqm were recorded, above the previous record of 131.8 l/sqm; at Filaret, 139.4 l/sqm were accumulated, close to the historical maximum of 143.3 l/sqm; in Afumati, at 130.8 l/sqm, the record of 130.4 l/sqm was exceeded. At regional level, the highest values were recorded in the south of Muntenia and western Dobrogea, where the quantities frequently exceeded 150 l/sqm. The highest level reported was at the Giurgiu meteorological station, at 193 l/sqm,” the release reads.
Romania’s National Weather Administration (NMA) issued successive warnings, based on European and regional models (ECMWF, ALARO, COSMO, ICON), which indicated accumulations of up to 140 l/sqm in 24 hours and wind gusts of 70 – 90 km/h, in the south-east of the country.
„As the phenomenon intensifies, the Red Precipitation Code has been extended to the city of Bucharest, and the counties of Ilfov and Giurgiu, along with Constanta, Ialomita and Calarasi.”
Compared with the multiannual climatological averages, these values are more than twice as high as the usual amounts for October, and the data confirm both the extreme nature of the phenomenon and the general trend of increased rainfall intensity amidst climate change.
The ministry points out that the weather warnings issued of late were justified and necessary.
„Their purpose is to protect the population and infrastructure from rare and dangerous phenomena. Unfounded contestation of scientific data risks reducing the effectiveness of the alerting system and endangering lives. The teams on the ground – meteorologists, hydrologists and first responders – confirmed through measurements and direct actions the extent of the phenomenon: flooded streets, water accumulations on sewerage networks, felled trees and material damage.”
At the same time, the ministry redoubles its commitment to communicating transparently and constantly on meteorological conditions and to supporting local administrations and citizens with clear and up-to-date information. AGERPRES
