Sunny Saint Ursula's Day Hints at Mild Winter, but Century Winter Fears Loom
Saint Ursula's Day, October 21st, is traditionally used to predict snowfall before Christmas. This year, the day was sunny, suggesting a mild winter ahead. However, a severe storm is approaching Germany, and long-term weather forecasts are uncertain. Some experts even discuss the possibility of a 'century winter' in 2025/26.
The Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD), Germany's official weather service, provides reliable short-term weather forecasts. They confirm that sunny Saint Ursula's Day often indicates a mild winter. However, they also warn that long-term weather forecasts are challenging due to complex influencing factors.
In 2024, a snow forecast for Christmas proved true, despite a sunny Saint Ursula's Day. This shows that traditional weather rules, like the old farmer's saying, can have a certain degree of accuracy but are not foolproof. A weaker polar vortex can increase the likelihood of Arctic cold in Germany, potentially leading to extreme cold events.
Currently, a severe storm is heading for Germany, adding uncertainty to the winter weather outlook. While sunny Saint Ursula's Day suggests a mild winter, the possibility of a 'century winter' in 2025/26 is being discussed by some weather experts. The DWD continues to monitor and provide updates on the situation.
