Germany winter forecast: Late-season cold shots to follow wet, mild start
The winter season will start mild across Germany and end with shots of bitter cold, taking residents and visitors on a roller coaster ride.
While mild weather will be welcomed by those hoping to enjoy a few more weeks of outdoor activities before cold arrives, it will be accompanied by bouts of rain and wind.
A few of these storms have the potential to bring significant impacts ranging from travel disruptions to flooding rain and damaging winds.
"These storms will also bring a heightened risk for coastal flooding to northern Germany," AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys said.
The most likely areas to endure flooding and damaging winds will be across western and northern Germany, particularly from Bremen to Hamburg and Flensburg.
While a windstorm is possible anytime during the winter, the highest risk this year will be during December and January.
The mild start to winter will last through January before cold air begins to make appearances from building high pressure over Scandinavia.
As this high strengthens, cold air intrusions from Russia will increase, especially during February.
The presence of this colder air will also heighten the risk for accumulating snowfall at all elevations and also bring the risk for a significant snowstorm which will carry over into early spring.
"Even if the arrival of accumulating snow is delayed this winter, total snowfall will be around normal," Roys said.
The threat for late-season snow could also cause widespread travel impacts, according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alan Reppert.
The ski season may only be slightly impacted by the mild start to the season as the high elevations could benefit from the above-normal precipitation, which will also occur in December.
While it will not be cold enough for lasting snowfall in the lower elevations most of December and January, the ski resorts throughout southern Germany and the Alps will see frequent snowfall.
"Snow over parts of Germany and the Alps looks to be quite heavy for the end of the season, and this may keep ski slopes open longer than usual into the spring," Reppert said.
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