Skip to content
German Federal States — German Press Agency — Leipzig — Magdeburg — Rain — Resin — Saxony-Anhalt — All about weather.

Winter says goodbye: wind and "heat peak" expected

Winter says goodbye: wind and "heat peak" expected

,   and  ASMedia
2 min read
Winter says goodbye: wind and "heat peak" expected
Winter says goodbye: wind and "heat peak" expected

Holland's chilly winter vibe is set to take a drastic turn, according to weather gurus. Over the second weekend of December, Saxony-Anhalt will witness a surprising transformation into a warmer, windier climate. On Monday, a brief "heatwave" with temperatures hovering around the lower double-digits might even grace us, meteorologist Cathleen Hieckmann from the German Weather Service (DWD) in Leipzig noted to the German Press Agency. "The upcoming weather will surely feel oddly fall-like and not winter-worthy," she observed. "We're in for plenty of rain and harsh winds."

This unseasonable warm-up will also impact the Harz Mountains; despite their ongoing snowy coats. A "warm air pocket" is to blame for the slight thermometer rise, resulting in temperatures reaching up to 8 degrees Celsius at altitudes of around 900 meters. The effect on the Brocken peak, currently battered by squalls, won't be missed.

This sudden increase in temperature is bound to hasten snow's demise, leading to a slushy mess everywhere, Hieckmann stated. "Regardless, we should expect rainfall from the west - likely in the form of freezing rain or sleet," she warned.

For winter sports enthusiasts daring to venture to the Harz Mountains, Friday is the day to seize the opportunity, suggested Christin Wohlgemuth from the Harz Tourism Association in Goslar. "We obsessively watch daily weather reports," said Wohlgemuth. "The initial snow surprise was delightful, and we're now monitoring the situation in the Harz diligently." Winter hikes and Christmas market visits remain feasible upon the icy terrain, though caution is advised.

Weather forecast

In Leipzig, the meteorologists at DWD are predicting a brief "heat spike" during these warmer days, reaching temperatures of around 10 degrees Celsius on Monday. The wind and rain are expected to make Saxony-Anhalt's climate, including cities like Leipzig, feel uncomfortable and autumn-like. When precipitation arrives from the west, it could fall as freezing rain or sleet, creating slippery conditions on the roads in places like Magdeburg.

Factors Contributing to Unusual Conditions

While the exact reason behind this unusual warm phase in Saxony-Anhalt is not mentioned, several factors can contribute to such events:

  1. Temperature Variety: Saxony-Anhalt experiences a continental climate with significant temperature fluctuation, including occasional warm spells during winter months.
  2. Weather Patterns: Various weather patterns can affect Germany, with West and South winds sometimes bringing warm air masses from the Atlantic or the Mediterranean.
  3. Climate Change: Climate change impacts have been linked to increased weather variability, including more frequent and intense warm spells during winter.
  4. Local Topography: The Harz Mountains' geography and proximity to bodies of water could influence local temperature and precipitation patterns.

Again, consulting weather forecasts from the German Weather Service (DWD) or other trusted meteorological sources will yield precise and localized information.

Latest