Much of Germany is currently trapped under a blanket of fog and grey skies — even though a strong high-pressure system dominates the weather map. The high, centered over the British Isles, brings calm conditions but also channels moist maritime air from the North Sea across the country.
While mountain regions enjoy sunshine and blue skies, the lowlands remain buried under thick fog, haze, and damp air.
Why it’s grey despite the high
Normally, high-pressure weather means clear skies. But this time, the clockwise circulation around the high draws humid northwesterly air inland. With barely any wind to disperse it, this moisture becomes trapped near the surface, forming dense fog and widespread low stratus clouds.
Meteorologists call the current situation a “fog lottery”: in one village the fog lifts by mid-morning, while just a few kilometers away, the sun remains hidden all day.
The role of temperature inversion
The phenomenon is driven by a temperature inversion — a reversal of the normal temperature pattern. Instead of cooling with altitude, the air actually becomes warmer higher up.
This traps cold, damp air near the ground while warmer, drier air sits above it. As a result, the Alps and higher regions such as the Black Forest bask in sunshine above 1,000 meters, while valleys remain chilly and misty. In some areas, the fog is so thick that light drizzle forms.
Little change expected this week
Forecasters say this calm but dreary setup will persist through the week. The high-pressure system will remain anchored over western Europe, continuing to pull moist air from the North Sea.
Between Tuesday and Friday, the typical pattern will repeat: morning fog, daytime haze, and only limited sunshine except in the Alps.
Temperatures will hover between 10 and 15°C, reaching up to 18°C where the sun manages to break through. At night, especially in southern regions with clear skies, values may dip just below freezing.
Polar vortex split could end the calm
Meteorologists are already watching the upper atmosphere for signs of change. Around October 20, models suggest a polar vortex split — a disruption in the ring of cold air normally spinning around the Arctic.
If this occurs, high-pressure zones over Canada and Russia could push the polar air mass apart, allowing the Atlantic storm track to reactivate.
The result? Wind, rain, and a true autumn breakthrough during the final week of October.
While this scenario is not yet certain, one thing is clear: the polar vortex is stuttering, and that could bring long-awaited movement to Europe’s weather systems.
