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Storm warning for the turn of the year: This is how dangerous New Year's Eve will be!
On New Year's Eve 2025, Mettmann faces sudden weather warnings: cold, slippery conditions and storms await NRW. Find out more here.
Storm warning for the turn of the year: This is how dangerous New Year's Eve will be!
A turbulent start to the new year is imminent in Cologne and the surrounding area. The German Weather Service has issued official warnings for January 1, 2026, and the signs point to winter weather chaos. A low foothills brings moist, moderately cold air, which will lead to frosty conditions and possibly slippery conditions, especially on New Year's Eve. The temperatures in the Velbert area could drop to as low as -2 degrees on Thursday night, which brings with it the risk of freezing humidity and slippery conditions, especially at higher altitudes.
It's already getting cold on New Year's Eve, and the risk of slippery frost can pose challenges for both drivers and walkers. While some people want to enjoy the last hours of the old year with a celebration, the magic of winter could make planning difficult. That's not all: the wind will pick up on New Year's Eve, and wind gusts of up to 55 km/h from the southwest are forecast between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. on January 1st. In exposed locations, gusts of wind with speeds of 65 km/h can be expected, which can be quite dangerous.
Weather warnings in detail
A second official warning applies to the Velbert area from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Gusts of between 55 and 65 km/h can be expected here, and even in exposed locations the values can rise to up to 75 km/h. There is a danger from falling branches or flying objects, which is why residents are urged to secure free-standing objects such as furniture and screens.
In addition, the weather hazard warning report indicates that snow particles or light snowfall are possible in higher mountain areas. This could lead to problems particularly in the Hochsauerland, where up to 10 cm of fresh snow is expected. In the rest of the mountainous areas, isolated freezing drizzle and slippery conditions cannot be ruled out, which poses a certain risk for both drivers and pedestrians.
Recommendations for action for the population
The relevant authorities recommend adapting your own plans accordingly and reacting to weather conditions if necessary. Outdoor objects should be secured and increased caution should be exercised in traffic. If there is a risk of slippery roads, both drivers and cyclists should act particularly carefully and, if necessary, reconsider their travel plans.
Overall, the people of Cologne and the surrounding regions should be prepared for the fact that the weather in the coming days may bring with it a certain degree of unpredictability. In order to get through the turn of the year safely, it is advisable to follow the weather reports carefully and pay attention to the advice from the local weather services.
For more information about the upcoming weather situation and further details about the warnings, we refer to the reports from Super tip, Weather hazards as well as Meteocentre.