Strong winds to blow Germany into February

Germany is melting fast this week and as the snow disappears, national weather service the DWD has predicted 120kph winds to blow the country into February, along with unseasonably warm temperatures.

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Despite predicted highs in the south of 17C over the coming couple of days, “it's not going to be very comfortable outside because of the rain,” said DWD meteorologist Michael Tiefgraber.

Wednesday afternoon will likely mean clouds and rain for most, with a few exceptions in the south where the sun could shine from time to time. In the north west of the country rain should fall in pronounced showers, with the occasional thunder storm.

Temperatures should stick at around 9C in the north yet reach a spring-like 17C in sunny parts of the south west. More elevated parts of the country, as well as the coast, could see strong winds interspersed with the odd gale-force blast reaching up to 120kph.

As night falls so will rain in southern and eastern states. More hilly areas may still see snowfall as temperatures remain lower than across lower parts of Germany. While nights last week were bitterly cold, temperatures this week should be balmier – hanging between 6C and 1C.

Thursday should be a similar story to Wednesday, with thick clouds, rain and the odd sunny spell. The afternoon will probably become more rainy, particularly in the south west. Highs of 5C on the Baltic coast, 13C in the Rhineland should set the standard for everywhere else.

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Very strong winds should be expected everywhere throughout the day, although they will probably come and go. Those brave enough to take on Germany's higher hills should watch out for serious gales though.

The rain will continue into Friday for much of the east and south. But elsewhere may be in for a nicer day as the clouds could lift. Highs should lie between 5C and 13C. Winds should be weaker apart from along the coast in higher areas where gale-force blasts should be expected.

During Friday night, the whole of the south will be rained, or snowed, on. Those in the northern half may see a few stars. Lows should comfortably between 6C and 0C.

As the weekend arrives, Saturday will probably be rainy across most of the country. In the north, this could even progress to sleet during the afternoon. The wind will still be brisk but not as strong as earlier in the week. Temperatures should be around 3C in the north and 10C in the south.

Saturday night could see snow falling on the east, while clouds should lift from large parts of the rest of Germany. Temperatures may drop back below zero to between 1C and -3C which could lead to black ice as water on the pavements and roads turns to ice.

The Local/jcw