Attention Hesse: New ice warnings – This is how the weather affects your everyday life!

Attention Hesse: New ice warnings – This is how the weather affects your everyday life!

After a chaotic winter that kept all of Hesse in suspense, there is now a breather. On January 16, 2026, the German Weather Service (DWD) analyzed the current weather conditions in the region and spread the good news that the roads are mostly free of residual snow. Various highways have been temporarily closed in the past few days and schools have also remained closed due to the weather conditions. For the coming days, meteorologists are predicting mild temperatures that will fluctuate between 7 and 12 degrees. Especially in higher altitudes, such as the mountains, it gets a little cooler with temperatures around 5 degrees.

With the change in weather conditions, the risk of slippery conditions becomes a new challenge in some parts of Hesse. The DWD is currently warning of local slippery conditions, particularly in the southern and eastern areas of the state. “It is now necessary to adapt behavior in road traffic,” says the warnings. Drivers and pedestrians should be careful, as temperatures close to freezing could result in freezing moisture and therefore slippery conditions. The weather service has issued specific warnings for people moving outdoors or on the streets.

Weather forecasts and temperature trend

Friday is forecast to be clear to cloudy, with winds initially gusty at times but decreasing as the day progresses. Particularly noteworthy are the mild temperatures, which will be between 6 and 8 degrees even at high altitudes. The DWD forecast also speaks of the possibility of light frost on Saturday night, with sometimes unpleasant temperatures between -1 and -5 degrees. These temperature differences can also lead to fog in certain areas, especially on the Danube and in the Lake Constance area. Visibility of less than 150 meters is therefore not excluded.

A significant challenge for road users are the signs of slippery roads, which can be caused by frost, snow or freezing water. The Severe Weather Center has created an overview map on which the areas at risk are clearly marked. Dark green areas on this map indicate areas with a particular risk of skidding. It is advisable to exercise extreme caution, especially early in the morning or late in the evening when ice crystals may form on the roads.

A look into the future

The 10-day trend doesn't promise anything exciting: temperatures will settle between 5 and 10 degrees, although precipitation, if it does come, will only be minor. The weather service is not predicting a major comeback of snow or ice for Hesse, which is certainly positive news for many. “Mild air from maritime regions brings us pleasant weather, but outdoor athletes and hikers should continue to prepare for unforeseeable changes,” reports wetterfähren.de.

With these prospects, we can breathe a sigh of relief and hope that the winter chaos of the last few weeks won't catch up with us. The next few days will bring changes, but no dramatic weather conditions. The people of Cologne and Hesse can look forward to a wintry conclusion, which will, however, be anything but frosty.