Winter may be arriving earlier than many people in Germany expected.
Current weather models indicate that a surge of polar air could reach Germany during the second half of October, bringing a major temperature drop after unusually mild autumn conditions.
Meteorologist Dominik Jung reports for Merkur that several models are showing the possibility of colder air moving south between roughly October 11 and 20.
Where Could Snow Fall?
The biggest chance of early snow is currently in Germany's higher elevations.
Forecast scenarios suggest the snow line could temporarily fall to around 800 to 1,000 metres, potentially bringing the first flakes to locations including the Brocken, Fichtelberg, Feldberg and Wasserkuppe.
Some model runs even indicate that the highest areas could receive up to 10 centimetres of fresh snow.
Lower elevations are more likely to see cold rain, although overnight frost could become increasingly widespread.
A Sudden October Change
The possible cold spell would follow a remarkably mild start to October.
Recent forecasts have shown temperatures reaching the mid 20s Celsius in parts of Germany before colder air potentially moves in later in the month.
Forecasters stress that the snow scenario remains uncertain because predictions more than a week ahead can change significantly.
For now, however, Germany's autumn weather is sending a clear message: winter may be closer than it looks.
