Bitter Cold Continues in Germany, with Temperatures Dropping to -17.9°C
Throughout the night, various regions in Germany have experienced frigid temperatures. According to the German Weather Service (DWD), using standardized measurement procedures, the coldest temperature was recorded early in the morning in Saxony. The measuring station in Sohland an der Spree, located in the southeast near the border with the Czech Republic, registered a bone-chilling -17.9°C. The previous night, the lowest temperature was also measured in Saxony, with -19.7°C recorded in the Ore Mountains.
In contrast to the frigid conditions in Saxony, the warmest temperatures were observed in Saarland. The municipality of Tholey, approximately 30 kilometers north of Saarbrücken, recorded a relatively mild -4.7°C in the early morning hours.
According to the DWD, temperatures are expected to rise gradually over the coming days, bringing some relief from the bitter cold. "In the next few days, temperatures will tend to rise, becoming milder," said Andreas Tschapek, a meteorologist at the DWD.
"The coming night could be another cold one for Saxony. However, a significant warming trend will follow, peaking over the weekend," Tschapek added.
The milder temperatures will be particularly noticeable in North Rhine-Westphalia, where daytime highs of up to 19°C are anticipated, according to Tschapek. "For most of Germany, the frosty nights will soon be a thing of the past," the meteorologist predicted.
Extreme Cold in Saxony
Saxony has been the epicenter of the cold snap in Germany, with temperatures plummeting to extreme lows. The DWD measuring station in Geising im Erzgebirge recorded -19.7°C on the previous night, breaking the previous record for the coldest temperature in Germany this winter.
The extreme cold has caused several road closures and disruptions to public transportation. In addition, schools and other institutions have been closed in some areas.
Mild Conditions in Saarland
Saarland has offered some respite from the widespread cold, with temperatures remaining above freezing. The municipality of Tholey recorded the highest temperature in Germany for the night, with -4.7°C.
The milder temperatures in Saarland are attributed to its geographical location, which is sheltered from the cold air masses by the surrounding mountainous terrain.
Forecast for the Coming Days
Over the coming days, temperatures in Germany are expected to rise gradually. Daytime highs of around 10°C are forecast for most areas, with nighttime lows remaining above freezing.
The warming trend is expected to continue over the weekend, with temperatures reaching up to 19°C in North Rhine-Westphalia. The milder weather will provide a welcome respite from the recent cold snap and allow for more outdoor activities.
