First snow arrives in Germany, but warm weather will persist

It was hot just a few days ago, then it rained for a while; now the snow is here already? Which parts of the country saw the first sprinkles on Friday morning?

Bavarian Alps see heavy rain and first snow

The peak of the  Bavarian Alps was not the cosiest place to be on Thursday night. After around 30 to 40 litres of rain per square metre and strong winds up to 70 kilometres per hour, the mountains saw Germany's first meagre dusting of snow for winter 2026/27.

The rain brought significantly cooler air, pushing the snow line down to around 1.500 metres. However, the highest German municipality, Balderschwang, at around 1.044 metres above sea level, saw only rain. Rain and wind are expected to persist through Friday and into Saturday.

The highest peaks of the Allgäu and Oberstdorf will also feel the seasonal shift, but the surrounding valleys will likely remain predominantly wet and cold.

Mild weather expected in coming days

According to the German Weather Service (DWD), the snow, rain and colder temperatures are just a brief interlude.

In the coming days, temperatures in the Alps are expected to increase, and the frost line will rise to 4.200 metres. The highest peak in the Bavarian Alps, the Zugspitze, sits at 2.962 metres.

Over the weekend, large cities will see temperatures up to 17 degrees celsius in Berlin and Frankfurt, 16 degrees in Dresden, Cologne and Stuttgart, and 15 degrees in Munich, Nuremberg, Bremen, Hamburg and Rostock.