Germany woke up to unmistakably wintery conditions on Tuesday, as several regions received fresh snowfall overnight and temperatures dropped below freezing. Drivers across the country are being urged to take extra care, with the German Weather Service (DWD) cautioning that icy roads could cause delays and dangerous situations during the morning commute.
Snowfall reaches the Alps and low mountain ranges
The cold front brought the first notable winter impressions to large parts of southern and central Germany. According to meteorologists from the DWD, snowfall was not limited to the Alps. Many low mountain regions — particularly the central uplands — saw enough snow overnight to create slippery road conditions.
Sauerland sees first winter landscapes of the season
Sauerland was among the first areas to transform into a winter scene. Light sub-zero temperatures allowed a thin blanket of snow to settle on the higher elevations, especially above 500 metres. On the Kahlen Asten and in the ski resorts surrounding Winterberg, the fresh snow created slick and sometimes treacherous road surfaces.
In Marsberg, a section of the L636 remained closed after a farmer accidentally spilled liquid manure. The mixture froze on the asphalt, requiring a specialist company to clear the road — a task still ongoing on Tuesday morning due to the freezing temperatures.
Fresh snow reaches Bavaria, including the Allgäu
The wintery shift also extended into Bavaria. Not only the Alpine areas but also the foothills received significant amounts of fresh snow. In parts of the high Alps, snow depths reached up to 20 centimetres by Monday. Even in the Allgäu, rooftops turned white as up to five centimetres accumulated across the region.
Temperatures in the southwest dropped as low as minus six degrees overnight. Higher elevations were particularly affected, leaving roads icy and requiring motorists to scrape ice from car windows before setting off.
Erzgebirge affected by snow and evening delays
In the Erzgebirge, winter services were already deployed on Monday evening. Crews cleared slush from roads above 600 metres and worked to manage dense snowfall that reduced visibility and slowed traffic. Slippery surfaces caused delays for commuters, especially in areas with sustained freezing temperatures.
DWD issues widespread ice warnings
The German Weather Service extended its warnings into Tuesday morning, highlighting the risk of icy roads in the southern and eastern low mountain ranges. But even regions without snow — such as parts of Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania — were affected.
Although no snow was present, moisture on the roads combined with temperatures hovering around freezing created conditions where surfaces could suddenly become dangerously slippery.
A challenging start to the winter season
With winter making an early entrance in many parts of Germany, road users are encouraged to plan extra time and remain cautious. Whether driving through frosty Alpine foothills or crossing lowland regions where black ice can form unexpectedly, the message from meteorologists is clear: icy conditions require heightened attention.
