The German Weather Service (DWD) has published a Warning of heavy snowfall and icy conditions for North Rhine-Westphalia issued. Especially in higher regions such as the Bergisches Land and the Eifel could see up to 30 centimeters of fresh snowfall on Friday and over the weekend. Even if there will probably be no closed snow cover in the city center of Cologne, there is increased danger for road users due to slush and slippery roads.

According to the current forecast, precipitation may increase on Friday evening also in the Bay of Cologne Although mostly only light snow or slush is expected there. In surrounding towns such as Brühl or Frechen, a temporary snow cover of about one centimeter is possible, with regional accumulations of up to seven centimeters or more in the Eifel and Bergisch regions.

In the Saturday night According to the DWD, further Snow showers with localized icy conditions, before winter conditions return this weekend with some further snowfall and frosty temperatures is to be expected. Drivers and pedestrians should pay particular attention to Slippery road sections, obstructed visibility and winter driving conditions. (German Weather Service)

Source: t-online.de, based on warnings from the German Weather Service (DWD). (t-online - Cologne)

The warning levels issued by the German Weather Service (DWD)

The German Weather Service distinguishes between Four official warning levels, which varies by region may apply. Depending on the city, district, or elevation, different warning levels may be in effect at the same time in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Warning Level 1 - Weather Warning (Yellow)

This level indicates potential weather hazards.
When it snows, this usually means light snowfall, slush, and slippery roads, with initial traffic disruptions.
In cities like Cologne, this is often the highest warning level for winter weather.

Warning Level 2 - Severe Weather Warning (orange)

This is already a dangerous weather situation. Heavy snowfall, several centimeters of fresh snow in a short period of time, and significant restrictions on road traffic are typical. In North Rhine-Westphalia, this stage often affects the Bergisches Land, the Sauerland, or the Eifel.

Warning Level 3 - Severe Weather Warning (Red)

The severe weather warning indicates an acute danger. In the event of snow, there may be heavy, continuous snowfall or heavy snowfall, resulting in 15 to 30 centimeters of fresh snow. Traffic and infrastructure disruptions are possible. This level of warning rarely occurs in North Rhine-Westphalia, but occasionally at higher elevations.

Warning Level 4 - Extreme Thunderstorm (Violet)

This level stands for exceptional weather situations with an emergency character.
It is accompanied by extreme amounts of snow and heavy traffic, or power outages. This warning level is extremely rare in North Rhine-Westphalia and is more common in the Alpine region.

Why warning levels apply locally

The warning levels are not assigned uniformly across the country.
While in the Cologne city center Often only yellow or orange applies, the Eifel or Sauerland can fall under orange or red at the same time. High-altitude areas are particularly affected.

This means that up to 30 centimeters of fresh snow could fall in parts of North Rhine-Westphalia—though not necessarily in Cologne itself.

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