Coldest Christmas Days in 15 Years - Germany’s Christmas deep freeze triggers chaos with record-low temperatures
Germany experienced its coldest Christmas holidays since 2010, with temperatures plunging to record lows. The freeze caused widespread disruption, from transport delays to a surge in ice-related accidents across several states. Authorities issued warnings as black ice and treacherous conditions persisted into the weekend.
The bitter cold peaked on December 26, when Harzgerode in Saxony-Anhalt recorded a low of –12.1°C—the lowest temperature since 2010. Overnight into Saturday, icy roads led to multiple crashes, including a multi-vehicle pileup in Lower Saxony and a car flipping in Cloppenburg district.
In Hamburg, firefighters responded to 87 slip-and-fall incidents in under 12 hours. Berlin’s fire department also warned of hazardous black ice, advising residents to stay indoors where possible. Similar ice-related emergencies were reported in Brandenburg, Schleswig-Holstein, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Public transport suffered too, with bus services in Potsdam suspended on Saturday morning due to unsafe conditions. The German Weather Service (DWD) cautioned that black ice risks would remain, especially overnight into Monday. However, Sunday brought some relief, with widespread sunshine and dry weather during the day.
Looking ahead, the DWD forecasts a mix of fog and sunshine in southern Germany for the start of the week. Meanwhile, a cold front will bring strong winds, dense clouds, and scattered rain along the North Sea coast.
The extreme cold has eased slightly, but hazardous conditions continue in parts of the country. With black ice still a threat and changing weather patterns expected, authorities are urging continued caution on roads and pavements. The DWD’s warnings remain in place as Germany braces for further winter challenges.
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