European experts are divided but warn that a cold snap may follow Christmas. The last time a polar weather pattern caused extreme winter conditions in Germany was in 1978-1979, when heavy snowfall, blizzards, and unusually low temperatures occurred.

Current weather models generally forecast milder conditions leading up to Christmas, but some exceptions for cold spells are noted. Long-term assessments by the European weather center indicate that temperatures may drop, particularly after the holidays.

For January, experts predict a relatively mild winter with overcast skies. Reports from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) suggest fluctuations in their predictions, with European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) models indicating a potentially cooler and drier January compared to long-term averages.

This weather pattern suggests a stable high-pressure system over Central Europe, where daytime conditions appear favorable, but nighttime fog and cold could lead to prolonged frost.

Experts also highlight the potential for a polar vortex, which can redirect Arctic cold air to Europe. While current weather models do not predict an imminent polar vortex, high-pressure trends align with this possibility.