The German Weather Service (DWD) issued widespread warnings on Saturday as icy conditions threatened large parts of the country throughout the weekend, urging motorists and travelers to exercise particular caution. According to the agency, the west and northwest are expected to be hit hardest, with freezing rain creating the potential for severe black ice.
The DWD highlighted several regions where the risk of dangerous conditions is especially high. Parts of Münsterland, Emsland, the Osnabrück area, eastern Westphalia and the western low mountain ranges were named as locations where severe icy conditions are possible. In Lower Saxony, fresh snowfall is expected, contributing to potentially hazardous road and rail travel.
According to the DWD, weather patterns remain divided across the country. While cold continental air lingers in the northeast, milder maritime air is moving into western and southern regions. This contrast increases the chance of freezing rain and refreezing moisture, particularly overnight.
Icy surfaces are expected to form again from Saturday night into Sunday as temperatures drop and moisture freezes. In the eastern uplands and parts of eastern Bavaria, freezing drizzle may develop, further increasing the risk of slick roads and walkways. Light snowfall forecast for parts of Lower Saxony is expected to extend into southern Germany on Sunday, with accumulations varying by region.
The DWD warns that light to moderate frost will affect many areas, with temperatures possibly falling to around –8°C by Sunday morning. Coastal areas may experience brisk southeasterly gusts around 55 km/h before winds ease later in the day. Dense fog could also form overnight and persist into Sunday morning, reducing visibility.
On Friday, icy conditions had already caused several accidents. In North Rhine-Westphalia, early-morning motorway crashes resulted in three fatalities, underscoring the dangers posed by the current weather situation.
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