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WEATHER

Spring likely delayed in Germany, despite warm February

Don't take off your scarf just yet - Germany might not enjoy springlike weather until April, with a chance of snow in March, say meteorologists.

Spring likely delayed in Germany, despite warm February
Snowdrops herald the 'pre-spring'. Photo: DPA

After a warmer than usual February, average temperatures are to return in Germany in March, according to the German Weather Service (DWD).

However, it isn't quite spring weather yet, as the DWD's ten-day forecast up to March 9th anticipates chilly temperatures, lots of wind, rain, as well as sleet and snow in mountainous areas.

The DWD predicts that temperatures in this period will reach a low of around -3C in the night, with a chance of frost.

The highest temperature in the daytime is expected to be 19C by the river Salzach, and the lowest 6C in mountainous areas.

Current Results has collected data from the DWD to calculate the average temperatures for Germany in March. The forecast for March 2017 mostly aligns with these temperatures. 

But a more pessimistic forecast by AccuWeather predicts that warmer spring temperatures will not arrive until April and only truly take hold in May, before which there will be a threat of snow in mid-March.

These less than thrilling predictions come after the DWD announced the late start of “pre-spring” in mid-February.

Pre-spring is defined as the time when the hazelnut and snowdrop blossoms first appear, which can happen as early as December.

The hazel blossom was delayed this year due to colder January temperatures. But the snowdrop, less affected by cold temperatures, was only late by about ten days.

WEATHER

Spring to arrive in Germany with temperatures of up to 21C

The moment many people around Germany have been waiting for is almost here: as of Thursday, temperatures are expected to crack the 20C mark and stay warm through the start of spring.

Spring to arrive in Germany with temperatures of up to 21C

Whether it’s the pink cherry blossom trees which have started to bloom, lighter evenings or people walking around with ice cream cones, the signs of springs have already started to show around Germany in March.

Now the weather is also catching up: following rain storms on Wednesday, the mercury is expected to reach at least 20C in many parts of the Bundesrepublik on Thursday. 

READ ALSO: Seven signs that Spring has arrived in Germany

First there’s some damper news: On Wednesday, Germany – in particular the southwest – is expected to be hit by the storms. In the Black Forest, 30 to 40 litres per square metre will fall by midday, according to the German Weather Service (DWD).

In the Alps, light snowfall will set in above 1,000 to 1,200 metres, with fresh snowfall of around five centimetres expected. 

The rain will ease by the following morning, but it will remain cloudy.

Up to 21C on Thursday

On Thursday, after the morning the fog disappears, people can look forward to a sunny and dry day – especially in the south and western parts of Germany. 

Temperatures will rise to a pleasant 14 to 21C degrees, with the highest values on the Upper Rhine. 

In mountainous areas and by the sea, it will remain somewhat cooler at 10C to 14C. 

Friday will be characterised by changeable weather: there will be sunny spells as well as rain showers, which will spread from the west and may be heavy in places – including thunderstorms. 

Temperatures will be between 14C and 18C degrees, and in the Lausitz region in eastern Germany it could even reach a warm 20 degrees.

Warmer weeks

While this Sunday could still see some single digit temperatures in northern parts of Germany – such as 9C in Berlin and Hamburg – the coming week is set to experience continually warmer weather, remaining at 14C and higher. 

The first day of spring officially begins this year with the Spring Equinox on March 19th. The days will become even lighter in Germany after Daylight Savings Time, which this year takes place in the early hours of Easter Sunday, or March 31st.

READ ALSO: Everything that changes in Germany in March 2024

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