After an unusually warm spell that pushed temperatures well above seasonal norms, Germany is now preparing for a decisive change in weather conditions. Meteorologists report that a mass of significantly colder air is moving in from the northwest, bringing dense cloud cover, frequent showers and, for the first time this season, a growing risk of snowfall. The contrast is striking: where parts of the country still enjoyed up to 23 degrees on Friday, the weekend marks the beginning of a rapid cooling trend that will reshape the nationwide weather picture.
Cold air spreads nationwide as the week begins
The first signs of the incoming cold wave became evident over the weekend. Northern regions started Saturday under a blanket of grey skies, while the southern half experienced occasional sunny breaks between passing clouds. As the colder air deepens, temperatures continue to fall across the entire country, setting the stage for the first wintry precipitation of the season.
According to meteorologists, scattered snow and graupel showers are expected as early as Monday, even in lower elevations. Higher terrain in the central uplands is likely to experience distinctly wintry conditions, while the Alpine region is forecast to see more continuous snowfall by Monday evening.
Midweek brings the first widespread snowfall of the season
The most significant weather development is expected around midweek, when the snowline is projected to fall sharply. Current forecasts indicate that on Wednesday the freezing level may drop to around 200 metres, allowing snow to reach many parts of Germany that typically remain green well into late November.
Upland areas could accumulate notable amounts of fresh snow, with some regions expecting up to 20 centimetres between Wednesday evening and Thursday afternoon. In Bavaria, snow is likely to settle from roughly 300 metres and above, with colder pockets retaining a white landscape throughout the day.
Although wintry scenes will become increasingly common, the season has not yet officially changed: meteorological winter begins on 1 December, while the astronomical start falls on 21 December. Visually, however, parts of the country will feel as though winter has already arrived.
How households can prepare for early winter conditions
The expected shift to colder, snowy weather means it is a good moment for households to prepare for practical winter needs. Seasonal routines—often overlooked during mild Novembers—come back into focus:
- Retrieve sleds and winter equipment from storage
- Lay out hats, scarves and gloves
- Check if children’s winter boots still fit
- Ensure winter tyres are installed
- Refill windscreen washer fluid with antifreeze
- Keep an ice scraper in the car
- Prepare shovels and basic snow-clearing tools
- Stock de-icing salt or grit
- Protect balcony and garden plants from frost
- Test heating systems
Buy bird feed for the colder days
With colder air advancing quickly and the first widespread snowfall of the season on the horizon, many regions are preparing to welcome the early winter atmosphere. For many, the coming days will mark the beginning of the most picturesque time of the year—ideal for planning visits to Germany’s scenic winter landscapes.
