After a calm and sunny week, Germany is bracing for a sharp change in weather conditions this weekend.
Meteorologists warn of strong winds, heavy rain and the arrival of a storm front linked to the remnants of former Hurricane Humberto.
The shift marks the true start of autumn, coinciding with the final days of Oktoberfest in Munich.
Calm before the storm
Until Friday, the weather remains relatively quiet. Nights will bring fog and cooler temperatures, with daytime highs of 14 to 16 degrees in much of the country.
Eastern winds will keep conditions crisp, particularly in northern and eastern regions.
By Friday, skies will become cloudier, with the first rainfall expected in western Germany.
Saturday brings heavy rain and storms
The real change arrives on Saturday. Meteorologist Dr. Karsten Brandt from Donnerwetter.de describes it as the “official start of autumn,” predicting widespread rainfall and strong gusts.
“It could be stormy across large parts of Germany, particularly along the North Sea and Baltic coasts,” he explained, adding that some models even point to hurricane-force gusts in exposed areas.
Diplom-Meteorologe Stefan Zender of WetterKontor confirmed that the weather system is tied to former Hurricane Humberto.
After reaching Ireland on Friday, the storm is forecast to move across Scandinavia over the weekend while still bringing unstable conditions to central Europe.
Oktoberfest finale set to be wet
The German Weather Service (DWD) expects persistent rain and fresh to strong winds over the weekend, just in time for the Oktoberfest finale in Munich.
Visitors should prepare for wet and blustery conditions rather than a golden autumn farewell.
Temperatures will range between 13 and 18 degrees, with heavy rainfall lasting well into Sunday. While the far southeast may remain drier at times, most regions are expected to see sustained showers.
No golden October in sight
Looking beyond the weekend, the unsettled pattern appears likely to continue.
Meteorologist Brandt notes that “the golden October is hiding for now,” with more showers and winds expected at least until midweek, especially in northern and eastern parts of Germany.
Southern and western regions may see brighter spells, but windy and wet conditions will remain dominant.
