After a largely snowless Christmas, many in Germany are wondering what the weather will hold for New Year’s Eve. The forecast indicates a mixed bag, with conditions varying significantly across the country.
Wetter zum Jahreswechsel: A Mixed Forecast
Much of Germany is expected to experience a wet and windy New Year’s Eve. “It’s more likely to be an uncomfortable New Year’s if you’re outside,” says Adrian Leyser Sturm of the German Weather Service in Offenbach.
The southern and southwestern regions will remain relatively calm and dry, but significantly colder. Elsewhere, skies will be heavily clouded with widespread precipitation. The Bergland region is forecast to see wintry conditions, with snow expected above 400 meters.
Temperatures will range from 0 to 5 degrees Celsius in the northern half of the country, while the south will see temperatures plummet to between -1 and -9 degrees Celsius. Winds will pick up throughout the night, making conditions feel even colder, according to the meteorologist.
Detailed Forecast for New Year’s Eve
On Wednesday, New Year’s Eve itself, sunny conditions are expected in the Alps and far southwest after any fog clears. Some breaks in the clouds are also possible on the Baltic Sea coast. Otherwise, the sky will be heavily clouded, with periods of rain from the North Sea through central Germany to the east. Snow is expected in the southeast and in the Bergland. Temperatures will reach between 2 and 7 degrees Celsius, around 0 degrees in the south and in the Bergland, accompanied by moderate to strong westerly winds. Stormy gusts are possible on the North Sea and in the mountains.
The map below shows where snowfall is expected. You can adjust the forecast period using the selection areas below. In the upper right corner, you have the option to view other weather parameters such as temperature or wind speed.
The map is provided by Windy.com, which uses the model from the “European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts” for its representations and predictions.
Looking Ahead to New Year’s Day
“The new year will start weather-wise quite turbulently, very different from how the old year ends. A strong low over Scandinavia is driving rain clouds over the country, accompanied by strong to stormy westerly winds,” explains Leyser Sturm. Heavy gusts are possible on the coast and in mountainous regions. While it will be wet and cold in lower elevations, winter will return to the Bergland with new snowfall. Conditions will be calmer in the far south, with less wind and little precipitation.
There is a possibility of snow even at lower elevations. “For the first weekend of the new year, warm air from the south and cold air from the north will compete for dominance in Germany,” the expert explains. “As a result of this boundary weather situation, the chances increase that it will become wintry in lower elevations, in principle.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperatures are expected on New Year’s Eve?
Temperatures will range from 0 to 5 degrees Celsius in the north and -1 to -9 degrees Celsius in the south.
Where is snow expected on New Year’s Eve?
Snow is expected above 400 meters in the Bergland region, as well as in the southeast.
What is the forecast for New Year’s Day?
New Year’s Day is expected to be turbulent, with rain clouds, strong winds, and potential for heavy gusts, particularly along the coast and in mountainous areas.
Will the changing weather conditions impact your New Year’s Eve plans?
