Overview
- The German Weather Service expects a short burst of unusual warmth, with many areas near 20°C on Thursday and local peaks around 22°C along the Upper Rhine and the Alpine fringe.
- ECMWF forecasts a rapid polar intrusion from Friday into the weekend, with about a 20°C drop aloft and snow risk in the Harz, Sauerland and parts of the Alps, possibly brushing some lower elevations.
- Other major models, including GFS and ICON, also turn cooler but generally show a less extreme swing and a smaller chance of widespread lowland snow.
- The warm phase builds Wednesday to Friday before a northerly shift brings rain turning to wintry showers, nighttime frost and potential icy patches by late weekend.
- Forecasters note Saharan air and dust may accompany the mild spell, and travel advisories highlight quick-changing conditions and the need for winter readiness.