Germany Shivers Under Frigid Start to the Week
January 16, 2023
Germany is experiencing a frosty start to the week, with temperatures plummeting well below freezing in many parts of the country. The German Weather Service (DWD) reports that overnight lows reached -10 degrees Celsius in the north and a bone-chilling -15 degrees Celsius in the east. Only the southern Upper Rhine region managed to remain above freezing.
While the eastern regions of Germany will continue to endure freezing temperatures during the day, other areas are expected to rise above freezing, according to the DWD. Sunshine is also forecast for many parts of the country.
The culprit behind this wintry weather is a so-called upper-level trough, a low-pressure system that stretches from Scandinavia to southeastern Europe. The trough is filled with cold air, which compresses the air below it, creating a low-pressure area.
Warm-up on the Horizon
Towards the middle of the week, temperatures in western Germany are expected to climb, with maximums reaching around eight degrees Celsius. However, the eastern highlands will remain frosty.
By the second half of the week, the DWD predicts that significantly milder air will spread across the country. By Friday, temperatures in the lowlands of western and southwestern Germany could reach a spring-like 15 degrees Celsius. Even in the east, significant warming is expected by the weekend, with temperatures rising by more than 15 degrees in some places over just a few days.
Causes of the Temperature Extremes
The upper-level trough currently dominating Germany’s weather is responsible for the frigid conditions. The trough acts like a channel for cold air to flow from the Arctic into Europe. This cold air then becomes trapped in low-pressure systems, leading to the formation of clouds and precipitation.
The freezing temperatures in the eastern regions of Germany are also due to a phenomenon known as "cold air drainage." As the air near the ground cools at night, it becomes denser and sinks, flowing down into valleys and basins. This process creates pockets of cold air that can persist for several days.
Impact on Daily Life
The cold weather has had a noticeable impact on daily life in Germany. Public transportation has been disrupted due to icy roads and thick fog. Outdoor activities have been canceled or postponed, and people have been advised to take precautions to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.
Outlook
The DWD predicts that the cold snap will ease gradually over the coming days, giving way to milder temperatures in most parts of Germany by the end of the week. However, the eastern highlands are expected to remain cold for some time longer.
