Germany Braces for Unsettled December Weather

Germany is gearing up for a dynamic start to December, marked by fluctuating weather conditions. The transition from autumn to winter is characterized by strong winds and abundant rainfall, followed by an influx of colder polar air. This shift points to a potentially snowy forecast in some regions. While Rheinland-Pfalz expects frosty nights, the broader southwest remains mild, with temperatures ranging between 4 and 8 degrees Celsius.

Experts, including meteorologist Dominik Jung, predict a mild, wet, and windy December. However, the anticipated winter wonderland remains elusive as high-pressure system Clemens promises a dry and mild first Advent weekend. The European ECMWF and US GFS weather models concur on a predominantly warm December, which could rank among the ten warmest since 1881.

Despite the potential for winter weather, there is caution against overreliance on model predictions, as they often exaggerate cold air outbreaks. In Southern Germany, particularly Bavaria, the days are marked by fog, gusty winds, and occasional snow in higher altitudes, with temperatures plummeting to -10 degrees Celsius in alpine areas. Overall, December begins with a stark weather change, offering a mixed bag of conditions across the country.