1. Current situation and immediate warning
The national weather service warns of dangerous slippery conditions caused by freezing rain and black ice across parts of western and northwestern Germany. Regions at particular risk include Emsland, Münsterland, the Osnabrück area and the low mountain ranges, where roads can become very slippery over the coming days. Several accidents were already reported on Friday due to icy roads, and icy temperatures down to around -5 °C are persisting in parts of the east and northwest.
Where and when to expect ice
- West and northwest: freezing rain may cause black ice from Friday into Saturday.
- Broad corridor: risk spans from Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen) over North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland to parts of Baden-Württemberg.
- East and northwest: continued subzero temperatures increase the chance of persistent icy spots.
2. Forecast and expected weather developments
Rain that falls onto cold ground or into frigid air can freeze on contact, producing hazardous black ice quickly. Through Saturday, short but severe episodes of glaze ice are possible across a wide swath of central and western Germany. In addition, snow showers are likely along the coasts and in the northwest over the weekend, accompanied at times by strong gusts of wind.
Wind, snow and a possible heavier event
- Coastal and northwest areas: snow showers with storm gusts up to about 70 km/h can reduce visibility and make roads slippery.
- Upper Bavaria: local night-time icing is possible, increasing danger on untreated surfaces.
- From Sunday: a low-pressure system drawing moisture from the Mediterranean could bring heavier snowfall to southern and eastern regions, with local accumulations up to around 20 cm of new snow and additional glatteis risk afterward.
Temperature context
January 2026 is running colder than the 1991–2020 climate average: approximately 1.5 °C below the long-term mean overall, and in parts of the east locally up to about 3 °C colder. These below-average temperatures favor longer-lasting ice and snow on roads and paths.
3. Impacts, recent incidents and practical advice
Recent weather episodes already caused serious traffic incidents, including large multi-vehicle collisions and increased pressure on emergency departments due to accident victims. Drivers and commuters should treat forecasts and warnings seriously: slippery roads lead to a higher risk of collisions, delays and longer emergency response times.
Safety recommendations
- Use winter tires and check tread and pressures before driving; winter tires significantly improve grip on ice and snow.
- Reduce speed, increase following distances and avoid sudden braking or steering maneuvers on icy surfaces.
- Plan journeys in advance and consider postponing non-essential travel during peak warning periods.
- Keep an emergency kit in the car with warm clothing, a blanket, a charged mobile phone, food, water and a flashlight.
- Allow more time for travel and follow official local warnings and traffic advisories.
Authorities and driving organizations recommend cautious, anticipatory driving and compliance with winter equipment rules. In severe conditions, public services and hospitals may be strained; staying off the roads when hazardous conditions are forecast helps reduce risks for everyone.
4. What to monitor and final notes
Keep an eye on the latest local weather statements and official warnings from meteorological authorities. Conditions can change rapidly: freezing rain can form black ice within minutes, and a shift in wind or precipitation type can turn rain into heavy snow. Prepare for slippery roads, possible travel disruption and localized heavy snowfall from Sunday onward in southern and eastern Germany.
Key keywords to remember
- Freezing rain
- Black ice
- Icy temperatures
- Snow showers
- Storm gusts
- Winter tires
- Slippery roads
- Heavy snowfall
