Weather Service: January in Germany partly as snowy as it hasn't been since 2010 - Storm NOAA Batters Germany With Record Snow and Deadly Ice

Germany faced extreme winter weather in January as storm NOAA swept across the country. The month brought heavy snow, freezing rain, and unusually high sunshine—all while temperatures stayed close to average. Northern regions were hit hardest, with widespread disruptions and hazardous conditions reported.

Storm NOAA caused major chaos, particularly in northern Germany. Rail services faced severe delays and cancellations as snow and ice blocked tracks. Hamburg and Lower Saxony recorded their heaviest January snowfall since 2010, with some areas seeing the most in over 15 years.

Freezing rain added to the dangers, forming black ice that led to multiple fatal accidents. Despite the snow in the north, other regions saw very little precipitation. Eastern Germany received as little as 25 litres per square metre, while nationwide rainfall averaged 45 litres—25 percent below normal.

Yet January was also remarkably sunny. Southern Germany enjoyed over 100 hours of sunshine in places, and the country as a whole saw 67 hours—more than 50 percent above average. Temperatures, however, remained typical, with an average of -0.7°C for the month.

The month's weather brought a mix of extremes: record snowfall in the north, dangerous ice, and prolonged sunshine elsewhere. While precipitation was low overall, the storm's impact on transport and safety was significant. Authorities continue to assess the damage as conditions gradually stabilise.