Germany Battles Extreme Cold and Winter Disruptions in Early January 2026

Severe winter weather continues to grip Germany as temperatures plunge to record lows and icy conditions disrupt daily life across multiple regions. According to n-tv, the night of January 5-6 saw temperatures drop as low as minus 21.7 degrees Celsius in Oberstdorf and minus 20 degrees in Allgäu. The south and east of Germany faced the coldest conditions with frost warnings advising residents to limit outdoor exposure due to the risk of frostbite. Motorists were cautioned about treacherous icy roads, particularly during morning commutes, as authorities emphasized heightened vigilance.

Municipal winter service teams have been operating continuously to manage the snow and ice that have accumulated. In Bernau, the city's Bauhof has maintained intensive winter clearing operations since January 3, covering 180 kilometers of roads and 40,000 square meters of pedestrian and cycling paths, as reported by Barnim Aktuell. Working in two shifts from early morning to late evening, the teams prioritize main roads and ensure bus stops and public areas remain accessible. The city employs mostly sand-gravel mixtures for de-icing, resorting to salt only in cases of black ice. Property owners are reminded of their legal obligation to clear sidewalks promptly and maintain safe pedestrian access.

Winter challenges extend to North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), where snowfall has led to both community winter activities and transportation issues. WDR reported instances including a heavy transport vehicle blocking a roadway in NRW and emergency services responding to accidents on snowy roads. Meanwhile, Schleswig-Holstein experienced disruptions due to a winter service workers’ strike, impacting road maintenance; a truck accident on the A1 highway also briefly caused delays before the road reopened, according to NDR. Fire departments in Schleswig-Holstein additionally warned residents to avoid thin ice on frozen lakes and rivers due to safety hazards.

The German Weather Service (DWD) notes that while the northern regions may face some light snow and winter storms, southern and eastern parts can expect dry, partly sunny days with temperatures ranging from minus 7 to plus 2 degrees Celsius. Authorities continue to stress caution regarding ice safety, notably advising against walking on frozen lakes unless ice stability is confirmed, as DLRG Bavaria highlighted the life-threatening risks of thin ice.

In summary, Germany is enduring a particularly harsh winter spell that demands constant vigilance from residents, authorities, and municipal services alike. From severe cold warnings and icy roads to winter clearing operations and public safety campaigns, the nation is mobilizing to manage the impacts of this bitterly cold period effectively.