Weather warning: black ice and severe frost threaten several areas
Winter weather is starting to assert itself, with expectations of severe temperature drops, drizzle, and the risk of black ice. While Christmas remains snowless in most areas, meteorologists warn of the development of a colder weather pattern as New Year's approaches.
According to the German Weather Service (DWD), a clear winter onset by the end of the year is becoming increasingly likely. The flow of easterly winds is bringing cold continental air into the country, causing a sharp drop in temperatures over the coming days, as explained by meteorologist Marco Manita.
Temperatures are expected to drop significantly at night, especially in the eastern regions. Widespread frost is expected from Thursday night to Friday, with temperatures ranging between -1 and -9 degrees Celsius. In some areas of the east, severe frost may reach -12 degrees Celsius.
On the second day of Christmas, more humid and slightly warmer air is expected to move in. This change will mainly manifest through an increase in low clouds. The central and southern regions may benefit for a longer period from the dry continental air and sunshine, while high fog increasingly spreads in the northern part of the country.
As the risk of precipitation increases in some areas, especially in the lower mountainous regions. Due to temperatures remaining below freezing there, black ice may form in scattered places. During the day, temperatures in most areas will be slightly above zero, but nights will remain cold, except in the far north.
Looking ahead to next week, an additional change in the weather is expected. A strong high-pressure system is centered over the North Atlantic, coinciding with a low pressure over Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, allowing polar air to flow into Germany. With this cold air, rain is expected to increasingly turn into snow, even in low-lying areas.