Police warn of dangers on frozen lakes

A little snow is falling at Petersdorf Lake in eastern Brandenburg.

The police are warning people in Berlin and Brandenburg not to walk on frozen lakes, rivers, and canals.

"Despite the recent frosty nights, no one should feel safe! Appearances can often be deceiving, especially when there is still snow on the ice," explained Heiko Schmidt, head of the water police at the West Police Department in Brandenburg, according to a statement.

Even closed ice sheets are not safe

Even a seemingly solid ice cover and severe frost are no guarantee of safe passage, the statement continued. The thickness of the ice is influenced by many factors, such as the flow velocity of the water, inflowing sewage, or shipping. Whirlpools can also transport warmer water from the bottom to the surface, keeping the ice thin—these areas are not visible and are therefore dangerous.

Flooded meadows and artificial ice rinks as alternatives

For those who still want to go out on the ice, maintained artificial ice rinks and very flat, flooded meadows offer an alternative. However, even meadows should never be entered alone or in the dark. Parents should inform their children at an early age about the dangers of walking on ice. The Berlin police also issued an urgent warning against walking on ice.

Winter weather continues

Temperatures will remain below freezing on Wednesday: According to the German Weather Service (DWD), widespread frost will prevail with highs between minus 3 and minus 1 degrees Celsius. In the morning hours, there will be local snow and ice. Weather experts predict bitterly cold conditions on Wednesday night. Temperatures will drop to as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius, and in southeastern Brandenburg to as low as minus 13 degrees Celsius. Clouds will move in from the west, with some snow already falling in places. On Thursday and Friday, the clouds will continue to thicken. According to the DWD, snowfall will repeatedly spread across the region from the west and southwest, which may turn to sleet on Friday evening. The weekend will also remain wintry with persistent frost, isolated snow showers, and temperatures in the double digits below zero at night in some places.