Weather Service: January in Germany partly as snowy as it hasn't been since 2010 - Germany's January splits between record sunshine and brutal snowstorms
Germany experienced a January of extremes, with record sunshine and heavy snowfall in different regions. While southern areas basked in over 100 hours of sun, the north faced the heaviest snow in over 15 years. The mixed conditions led to both unusually bright days and hazardous winter storms.
The month began with unusual sunshine, as total hours reached 67 nationwide—over 50 percent above average. Southern Germany saw the most, with some spots exceeding 100 hours. Despite the brightness, temperatures remained typical, averaging -0.7°C.
Heavy snowfall struck northwestern Germany, marking the worst in more than a decade. Hamburg and Lower Saxony recorded their snowiest January since 2010. Meanwhile, parts of eastern Germany stayed dry, with precipitation as low as 25 litres per square metre.
Winter storm Elli swept through, bringing freezing rain and black ice. Rail services faced major delays, and several fatalities were reported due to the icy conditions. Ralf Stuhlberg, head of the Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) media team, confirmed the varied weather patterns in the agency's monthly summary.
January's weather split the country between sunny skies and severe winter hazards. The combination of record sunshine, heavy snow, and freezing rain disrupted travel and daily life. Officials continue to monitor conditions as winter progresses.
