Expert shows what happens now

Hoch Günther causes fine dust levels that are harmful to health, but a change in the weather brings relief. Will the cold hammer come afterwards?

Munich – Due to Hoch Günther, Germany experienced an inversion weather situation that caused extreme levels of particulate matter at low altitudes. This posed a great danger, especially for older and sick people. But there is good news: With the turn of the year, a change in the weather is approaching that will defuse the situation. Graduate meteorologist Dominik Jung from wetter.net explains: “The calm high-pressure weather situation is ended by approaching storm lows.” The wind blows away the fine dust particles and ensures clean air. This means we can give the all-clear regarding the poison cloud.” The first squalls are expected from the west on New Year’s Eve, which could particularly affect the north and the center. We don’t have to expect particularly high levels of particulate matter on New Year’s Eve, because the wind will continue to stir up the air masses.

Weather in Germany: New Year’s Eve storm and mild temperatures

Just in time for New Year’s Eve, the change in weather brings strong winds and unsettled conditions. Gusts of up to 80 km/h are expected, especially in central and northern Germany. The calm high pressure phase gives way to stormy and changeable weather. With the fresh wind, temperatures are rising towards 10 degrees in many places – an unusually milder start to the year. But the storm not only brings relief from fine dust pollution, but also the return of unpleasant weather conditions. New Year’s Day is accompanied by periods of rain, which further improves the good air quality, but makes the first few days of the year quite stormy and wet.

Will the cold wave come after the storm?

While the wind drives away the fine dust pollution, the weather situation remains exciting from the first weekend in January. Meteorologists are expecting a possible incursion of polar cold air. At an altitude of 1,500 meters, temperatures of up to -15 degrees could be measured. This arctic air could also reach the ground and bring permanent frost to many places. But these forecasts are currently uncertain. Should the cold arrive, the weather could take a completely different direction in early January. After the toxic particulate matter and mild storms, Germany could be surprised by regular icy cold weather. Next week will show whether this scenario comes true, but it is still just a first trend in the weather models.