Germany Faces Severe Winter Weather with Regional Disparities and Disruptions

Germany is currently grappling with extreme winter weather conditions that are affecting different regions across the country in markedly different ways. While the western part of Germany enjoys mild temperatures reaching up to 11 degrees Celsius, the eastern regions endure severe cold with temperatures plunging as low as minus 12 degrees Celsius, accompanied by strong southeast winds. This unusual weather split has been described by climatologist Dr. Karsten Brandt as a rare phenomenon occurring only every 30 to 50 years, with forecasts warning of further extreme weather developments next week.

Severe snowfall has led to significant transportation disruptions, particularly in Hessen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Saarland, and Lower Saxony. In Hessen, heavy snow caused a 30-kilometer traffic jam on the Autobahn 3, along with closures on other highways in East Hessen. Trucks have been reported as stuck in the snow, leading to road blockages such as the complete closure of the B49. However, larger accidents have not been reported so far. On the Autobahn A1 in northwest Germany, multiple accidents involving injuries occurred amid icy and snowy conditions.

The German Weather Service (Deutscher Wetterdienst, DWD) has issued warnings for icy roads and glatteis (black ice), strongly advising residents to stay home when possible. In Lower Saxony, warnings include expected snow accumulation of up to three centimeters along with freezing rain, while similar conditions are forecast for Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The latter region is also anticipating additional snowfall and freezing rain.

Schools have been closed in Bremen and parts of Lower Saxony due to hazardous weather, with some institutions shifting to remote learning formats. The Hessian Interior Ministry has announced school closures as well. Complicating matters, public sector strikes in Lower Saxony have hindered winter road maintenance services, exacerbating traffic issues.

Dr. Brandt highlighted that the current weather pattern reflects an extraordinary split, with a temporary rise in temperatures caused by milder, moist air in some eastern regions before expected snowfall. Despite temporary improvements, a cold wave next week could bring unusually low temperatures for February, marking two consecutive months of such cold—an occurrence not seen in many years.

As Germany continues to face this stark contrast in weather, authorities urge caution on roads and preparedness for ongoing disruptions. The situation remains dynamic, with weather experts closely monitoring developments and advising the public on safety measures.