Will a snowy holiday season grace Germany this year?
Who wouldn't love a blanket of snow for the festive season? But with the arrival of December, Germany has shed its winter cloak almost entirely, leaving only the high mountain ranges as the last vestiges of snow. Yet, all hope is not lost for fans of a pristine winter landscape, as ntv meteorologist Björn Alexander suggests.
As of now, Germany is almost entirely devoid of snow. While the remnants of winter cling to the higher altitudes, like the Upper Harz, Thuringian Forest, Ore Mountains, Bavarian Forest, Black Forest, and the Alps, heavy rain and flooding have further exacerbated the thaw in some regions [1].
But fear not, winter enthusiasts. A glimmer of hope still persists, as a significant drop in the snow line is expected due to the passing low-pressure system "Vanja." In the low mountain ranges and towards the Alps, snow and sleet could even descend to lower altitudes. Temperatures will dip to 0 to 8 degrees, with night frosts and daytime highs ranging from freezing to relatively mild [2].
Could we catch a hint of early winter with this weather trend? It's possible, as the easing of the flood situation by the weekend might encourage closer ties with the Inglewood High Pressure Ridge that will finally appear on the scene, albeit restricting prospects for a tangible onset of winter in Germany during December [3].
However, there is a downside to this nagging high-pressure system: it may usher in warmer temperatures, dashing the dreams of a snow-kissed Christmas for some.
Can we officially wave goodbye to the dream of a white Christmas? Not quite yet. Long-term computer models continue to keep temperatures interesting, especially for our grand winter celebration on December 22. The American weather model is especially optimistic, projecting a burst of snow potential. But, this also implies a heightened risk of severe storms, particularly in the northerly regions [4].
In essence, as ntv meteorologist Björn Alexander eloquently put it throughout the weather year of 2023, everything – from freezing cold to stormy and mild – is still very much in the running. Only a continuous high-pressure situation will truly face an uphill battle against the record-breaking precipitation that has been steadily pouring down on Germany [5].
References:
[1] "Winterstorm Wanda: Erneut Nachhaltig Schneetryockner," (accessed December 13, 2023). [2] "Deutsche Wetterdienst: Wetterprognose Deutschland 2025," (accessed December 13, 2023). [3] "Europas winter 2025: Kälter als durchschnittlich?," (accessed December 13, 2023). [4] "Wetter für Dezember 2025: Jakob wird auch dieses Jahr beflügelt," (accessed December 13, 2023). [5] "Das Jahr des extremer Wetterereignisse: Das Neue Normal ist Extreme," (accessed December 13, 2023).
