Prepare for a wintry blast in North Rhine-Westphalia this Friday: The German Weather Service has warned of multiple showers, some of which may turn into sleet or snow in the mountains. As you ascend over 600 meters, expect anywhere from 1 to 4 centimeters of snow, with the odd skip to 8 centimeters. Be cautious on the roads, as the snowline could plummet as low as 300 meters during the day, leading to slick surfaces. By the evening, up to 3 centimeters of snow might fall even at lower altitudes in Westphalia. The thermometer won't soar above 5 to 8 degrees Celsius on Friday, with the mountains seeing a more modest 3 degrees. Be ready for a chilly night, as temperatures may dip below the freezing point. And be prepared for some wind, sometimes blowing with all the might of a storm.
The DWD anticipates similar weather with sleet and snow showers at higher altitudes this weekend, with a frosty chill lingering into the night from Tuesday, when it's projected to plummet to between 0 and -3 degrees Celsius, and down to -5 degrees in the mountains.
(Research Source: and Additional Insights)
While the 7-day forecast lacks substantial snow for North Rhine-Westphalia, recent snowfall events have enriched popular ski destinations like Altastenberg, Brilon, Bruchhausen/Olsberg, Bödefeld, and Winterberg. These areas enjoy snow depths of 8 to 13 centimeters (3 to 5 inches) as of January 8, 2025[2].
Drivers should heed the warning of icy conditions persisting through the weekend, with ongoing snowfall in northern Germany, including North Rhine-Westphalia. Public service strikes could also contribute to slippery streets, as pavements and roads may not have been salted or gritted[5]. With freezing temperatures expected to prevail, and lows of -7 degrees Celsius on Sunday night and -10 degrees in the Mittelgebirge regions of central Germany[5], it's important to stay alert and dress warmly.
