Severe Winter Storm and Extreme Cold Grip Germany with Warnings for Snow, Ice, and Frost

Germany is currently facing a severe winter weather event characterized by heavy snowfall, freezing rain, hurricane-force winds, and extreme frost across the entire country. Starting Thursday, a broad band of snow and freezing rain will impact much of Germany due to a complex interaction of low-pressure systems. Meteorologists have warned of a rapidly intensifying storm system causing "bombogenesis," leading to severe storms and hurricane-force gusts up to 140 km/h in exposed areas.

Snowfall is expected to range between 10 and 30 centimeters, with some regions, particularly from northern Lower Saxony through Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Brandenburg, possibly seeing totals of up to 50 centimeters. Dangerous freezing rain is projected in the southeast and central regions, while northern Germany remains cold enough for significant snow accumulation.

In addition to the snow and wind, all 400 German districts are under weather warnings for extreme frost. Temperatures are forecast to plunge as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius in snow-covered regions, with daytime temperatures remaining below freezing. This prolonged cold snap is causing hazardous glaze conditions on roads, affecting vehicles, pedestrians, and damaging unprotected vegetation. Despite continuous road maintenance, slippery surfaces and traffic disruptions persist, posing increased risks for accidents.

The severe weather has also severely disrupted transport, with substantial impacts on rail and air traffic. Authorities have advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel and stay updated on the evolving situation. The intense winter conditions echo across Europe, with France experiencing heavy snow disrupting Paris transport and the UK bracing for Storm Goretti with multi-hazard warnings.

The extreme weather is expected to last at least through the weekend of January 10-11, 2026, and officials urge caution amid the sustained hazardous conditions.