After several quiet weeks under a steady high-pressure system, the weather across Bavaria is about to flip dramatically.
According to the German Weather Service (DWD), an Atlantic low-pressure front will sweep into southern Germany this week, bringing heavy rainfall, storm-force winds and even snowfall in higher elevations — a classic reminder that autumn in the Alps can turn winter-like overnight.
Storm front approaching from the Atlantic
The DWD reports that Atlantic lows are extending eastward over Germany, replacing the mild air of recent days with a much colder mass.
On Thursday, a strong cold front will move across Bavaria, accompanied by gusts up to 85 km/h, short thunderstorms, and a rapid temperature drop.
In Munich, forecasters expect winds around 70 – 75 km/h, while rain showers will intensify through the afternoon.
By Friday, the weather remains unsettled.
As the cold air deepens, snow levels are expected to fall sharply — down to 1 500 metres, where 2 – 5 centimetres of new snow could accumulate overnight.
In exposed mountain zones and windward slopes, totals may reach 10 centimetres, marking the first measurable snow of the season.
Typical but intense autumn turbulence
Meteorologists emphasise that such a turbulent phase is typical for late October, though the combination of wind, rain and snow may feel abrupt after the calm spell.
Wednesday still brings mild air to Munich, with daytime highs near 14 °C, but by Friday temperatures may reach only 8 °C.
Across the Allgäu region, the DWD expects heavy precipitation, possibly up to 30 litres per square metre, raising flood-risk concerns in valleys and rivers already swollen from earlier rains.
Safety advice from authorities
The DWD and regional agencies advise residents to secure outdoor furniture, avoid unnecessary mountain hikes, and remain cautious of falling branches and slippery roads.
Drivers heading towards alpine passes should prepare for wet snow or slushy conditions.
Air and rail traffic delays cannot be ruled out if gusts peak above warning thresholds.
Outlook: stormy first act of winter
Despite the headline-making forecasts, experts note that the incoming cold spell does not signal a lasting winter onset — rather a short-lived taste of what’s coming.
High-pressure conditions are expected to rebuild early next week, bringing calmer but cooler days.
Still, Bavaria’s brief encounter with storm and snow serves as a clear reminder that the transition to winter has begun.
