Severe Snowstorm Issues Alerts Across Germany and Northern Europe

Heavy snow and ice have recently impacted northern and eastern Europe, leading to significant disruptions in transport and power systems. Forecasts indicate that these freezing conditions are expected to persist for the next two weeks.

The winter storm has prompted red weather alerts in Germany, where the south-central region is bracing for up to 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) of snow. In the northeast, residents can expect around 15 centimeters, as reported by the government forecaster DWD.

According to MetDesk meteorologist Matthew Dobson, the accumulation of snow on solar panels in Germany is likely to hinder electricity generation in certain areas on Monday. This situation coincides with a rise in European natural gas prices, which have continued their year-to-date rally. The increase is attributed to a decline in LNG export capacity at American hubs, exacerbated by a massive winter storm affecting the U.S.

In southeast Sweden, an orange weather warning has been issued, forecasting up to 30 centimeters of snow from Monday afternoon through Tuesday. The national weather forecaster SMHI has warned that power outages are likely and advised residents to avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary.

Heavy snowfall is also anticipated in Denmark and Poland, both of which have issued amber alerts. Additional winter weather warnings have been disseminated across the region, stretching from Scandinavia down to the Balkans.

Photograph: Passengers amid train cancellations at Berlin Central railway station, on Jan. 26, 2026; photo credit: Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.

Topics
Europe

Heavy snow and ice have recently impacted northern and eastern Europe, leading to significant disruptions in transport and power systems. Forecasts indicate that these freezing conditions are expected to persist for the next two weeks.

The winter storm has prompted red weather alerts in Germany, where the south-central region is bracing for up to 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) of snow. In the northeast, residents can expect around 15 centimeters, as reported by the government forecaster DWD.

According to MetDesk meteorologist Matthew Dobson, the accumulation of snow on solar panels in Germany is likely to hinder electricity generation in certain areas on Monday. This situation coincides with a rise in European natural gas prices, which have continued their year-to-date rally. The increase is attributed to a decline in LNG export capacity at American hubs, exacerbated by a massive winter storm affecting the U.S.

In southeast Sweden, an orange weather warning has been issued, forecasting up to 30 centimeters of snow from Monday afternoon through Tuesday. The national weather forecaster SMHI has warned that power outages are likely and advised residents to avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary.

Heavy snowfall is also anticipated in Denmark and Poland, both of which have issued amber alerts. Additional winter weather warnings have been disseminated across the region, stretching from Scandinavia down to the Balkans.

Photograph: Passengers amid train cancellations at Berlin Central railway station, on Jan. 26, 2026; photo credit: Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.

Topics
Europe