Frigid Alert: DWD Warns of Black Ice in Hefty Swathes of Germany
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) issued an icy warning on Friday mornings, cautioning about black ice predictions in substantial parts of Germany. The alert read, "In the heartland and towards the east, partly snow or ice flakes, partly rain with black ice. In the south, rain is expected, with frequent black ice and freezing rain in Bavaria."
When it comes to southern Germany, rainfall is on the agenda, accompanied by black ice and freezing rain in Bavaria. However, Baden-Württemberg could see better conditions.
The DWD urged the public to steer clear of unnecessary outside activities and travel while making contingency plans for potential delays and obstacles. No major traffic congestion or accidents had been reported by late Friday morning - apart from parts of Hesse, such as in Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund. Bus services were impacted, causing disruptions there.
Heavy rain combined with freezing temperatures in Offenbach, Hesse, posed a threat of more black ice formation on roads. Despite DWD's recommendations and warnings, some individuals chose to face the traffic, ultimately causing disruptions to traffic flow. The report from DWD advises of further winter weather with potential rain and black ice on the horizon.
Further Reading:
As revealed by DWD, current atmospheric conditions in Germany present risks of frost and icy patches in both the western and eastern regions, while the mornings remain perilously icy in the west and southwest areas. Prospective weather conditions are:
- Wednesday to Friday: Central Germany will see partly sunny skies with mild daytime temperatures. In contrast, northeastern areas will have daytimes between 2 and 5 degrees Celsius, accompanied by a possibility of black ice.
- Thursday: Westerly wind will bring light rain to western and southwestern regions, with freezing rain in the east. Northeastern regions will hold daytime temperatures between 2 and 5 degrees Celsius, with a possibility of black ice on roads.
- Friday: Northern Germany will be mostly grey, with rain progressively moving eastward. Central Germany will experience clearer weather, while southern regions will clear after morning fog dissipates, followed by soaring temperatures between 10 and 16 degrees Celsius.
- Weekend: The high-pressure system will make way for calmer and drier weather, but chilly temperatures will persist, often dipping below -5 degrees Celsius under clear skies, posing a constant risk of black ice.
In summary, the DWD issues warnings about the potential hazards of icy surfaces and black ice across different regions of Germany, primarily in the eastern and northeastern areas, until warmer conditions settle in.
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