Heavy snowfall and icy conditions are expected to hit Munich and significant portions of Bavaria no later than Saturday afternoon, January 24. The DWD has released an official warning for frost and slippery roads across the entire federal state. An orange warning for severe frost is currently in effect for regions bordering the Czech Republic, where temperatures could plummet to -12°C.
Meteorologists have forecasted intensifying precipitation over the coming days. According to some weather models, Munich could see up to 15 centimeters of snow, while surrounding areas may experience a snow cover of up to 30 centimeters. These conditions, combined with dangerous freezing rain and ice formation from freezing moisture, are likely to cause significant traffic disruptions early next week.
Munich and Bavarian Weather: Freezing Rain and Snow Forecasted
“Local light snowfall with slipperiness is possible, and freezing rain with ice formation cannot be ruled out,” the weather report for Southern Bavaria noted on Saturday. Earlier that morning, the weather service issued a red-level storm warning for parts of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, and Rhineland-Palatinate due to severe black ice.
Snowfall is expected to intensify from the Alpine region by Sunday at the latest. The German weather model ICON has predicted up to 15 centimeters of fresh snow in Munich, particularly in the western districts. The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) provided a similar outlook, with calculations suggesting up to 30 centimeters of snow just west of the city.
Alpine Cold Front Grips Bavaria with Up to 30 Centimeters of Snow
The snowfall in Munich is expected to persist into early next week, potentially causing major transportation issues, especially on Monday, January 26. The weather service anticipates slushy road conditions, particularly if a thaw begins. In parts of Munich and its surrounding districts, there is also a risk of freezing moisture and ice pellets at the start of the week.
Dangerous black ice during morning and evening hours may pose challenges for motorists and other road users. However, meteorological models maintain some uncertainty regarding the exact path of the snow front, providing only an approximate forecast for the weather situation over the next few days and weeks.
Cold Front Reaches Bavaria and the Alps with Up to 60 Centimeters of Snow
Earlier in January, cyclones Elli and Gunda already covered large parts of Germany in ice and snow. Storm Elli caused significant disruptions; school classes were canceled in several regions, and Deutsche Bahn temporarily suspended long-distance train services. Some areas recorded over 30 centimeters of snow during that period.
The next significant snow squalls are not expected until early February. During that period, experts anticipate heavy precipitation, primarily in the Alps. High-altitude Alpine regions could see as much as 60 centimeters of fresh snow within a single week.
Source: DWD
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