Brace yourselves, roads in Hesse are a slippery slope due to the chilly mix of sleet, rain, and frost until Friday. The German Weather Service warns that although the day might open with a fog-lifted sky and temperatures up to three degrees, it'll turn frosty as night falls, dropping to -3 degrees, and pcak at -5 degrees in the mountains.
Friday's forecast brings rain or sleet, with an increased risk of black ice, especially north of the Rhine-Main region. Maximum temperatures will hover around 2-4 degrees, and -1 to +2 degrees in the mountains. However, the weekend will warm up, bringing in a high of 8 degrees on Saturday, and a scorching 11 degrees on Sunday.
Tips to navigate the treacherous roads: - Swap your regular tires for winter ones. By 2024, winter tires will be mandatory in certain conditions, featuring the snowflake symbol. - Double-check your tread depth, as stricter regulations apply to winter tires. - Keep an eye on tire pressure as underinflation increases stopping distance, affects steering precision, and brings fuel consumption into overdrive. - Adore your tires for damage. Cracks, cuts, dents, and foreign objects make for a not-so-merry travel. - Slow down! Reduced speed provides extra time to react and stop, giving frosty conditions their chill. - Rest up that following distance. Maintain a comfy gap between you and other drivers. - Avoid parking your car too close to snow plow trucks. They aren't just wide turners, they're straightforward stoppers. - Beware of water pipes buried under the snow. The exhaust pipe should stay plump and clear to stop the lovely aroma of carbon monoxide from making a return. - Take advantage of robust headlights and fog lights to boost your car's mountain-top views. - Wake up, Buttercup! Stay aware of road conditions and potential hazards. Oh, and winter weather is a go-to no-show in the best of weather. - Keep up with the latest forecasts and be alert to road closures. Public service strikes can make untreated roads even more slippery, and who needs that?
Conditions like sleet, rain, and frost make driving in Hesse a wild ride. So keep calm and follow these tips, ensuring your winter journey is a safe, snow-filled experience.
