The short-lived spell of springlike warmth in Germany is coming to an abrupt end. Meteorologists are warning of a sharp temperature drop of up to 15 degrees over the weekend — bringing back fog, drizzle and winter coats.
In recent days, parts of the country basked in sunshine and highs near 20°C. But by Saturday, temperatures will plunge to between 5°C and 10°C, especially across southern regions from the Danube to the Main River.
Meteorologists confirm the shift: cold air trapped at ground level
Weather expert Dominik Jung, speaking to German media, explained that the change is caused by a classic autumn inversion — a layer of warmer air higher up that traps cold, damp air near the surface.
“It stays mild aloft, but close to the ground, cold and moist air becomes locked in place,” Jung said. “That’s why the chill of the night simply hangs on during the day.”
According to the German Weather Service (DWD), the pattern will bring grey, wet and foggy conditions to large parts of the country. Northern Germany will see the first rain and cooler winds from Saturday, while the south faces thick fog and high humidity — with sunshine almost entirely blocked by dense low clouds.
Endless grey skies and damp chill ahead
Only those living above the fog line, such as in higher-altitude regions or on mountain slopes, can expect a few moments of sun.
For most, however, the outlook is bleak: persistent fog, drizzle and low visibility for several days. Jung notes that the combination of cold and lack of light is not only a physical change but a psychological one — many people feel more tired and low-spirited as the sunlight fades.
“It’s nature’s way of preparing both people and ecosystems for winter,” he added.
How low will it go — and any chance of snow?
The coming chill marks the first true taste of winter for much of Germany. Nighttime lows may fall close to freezing, especially in rural and southern areas.
But snow lovers will have to be patient: Jung expects snowfall only above 500 meters, mainly in upland regions such as the Bavarian Forest or the Alps.
For everyone else, it’s time to dig out scarves and winter jackets, brew tea, light candles — and wait for the real winter to arrive.
