Hazardous winter blast hits Germany with snow, wind and plunging temperatures
A sharp change in weather is on the way as colder air moves in over the weekend. Conditions could turn hazardous, with gusty winds, falling temperatures, and possible snow showers. Forecasters warn of reduced visibility and difficult travel in some areas.
The Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) predicts milder, changeable weather for Hessen in the coming days. Friday will bring a mix of sun and clouds, but temperatures will remain relatively mild.
Later today and into the early evening, snow showers are expected. Some areas may see sudden snow squalls, which could sharply reduce visibility. Travel disruption is likely as gusts and dropping temperatures set in. Looking further ahead, the European weather model (ECMWF) suggests a brief milder spell until January 18, 2026. After that, very cold air from the northeast is forecast to arrive the following week, bringing freezing conditions but little precipitation. Meanwhile, the American NOAA model (CFS) indicates a different pattern for January. It expects average to slightly milder temperatures in western Germany, with higher rainfall and a chance of snow. The coldest nights are likely to occur from Sunday through Monday, with temperatures plunging further.
Drivers and pedestrians should prepare for tricky conditions as snow and wind develop. The weekend’s cold snap will mark the start of a prolonged chilly period, particularly from mid-January. Forecasters advise checking updates before travelling, as weather patterns remain uncertain.
