Stormy weather on Friday: Snowfall and slippery conditions

A snowplow belonging to Berlin's municipal cleaning service (BSR) clears snow from a street not far from the Reichstag building (archive photo).

According to the German Weather Service (DWD), the snowfall initially forecast for Friday will not materialise in large parts of Brandenburg and Berlin.

A DWD spokesperson said on Friday that significantly less snow than predicted would fall in the northern half of Brandenburg and in Berlin. The severe weather warning for heavy snowfall has been lifted for Berlin and Brandenburg. "We do not see any danger to life and limb," the spokesperson emphasised. Light snow is still expected in the afternoon, but not with the intensity initially predicted. Berlin and the northern half of Brandenburg will be spared the worst fears.

Warning of slippery conditions and snow drifts

The DWD issued an official warning of snow drifts for Friday, 9 January 2026. Light snowfall of two to ten centimetres is expected. Gusty winds may cause snow drifts to form, which could lead to traffic restrictions. Many areas may also become slippery.

Avoid unnecessary car journeys

The warning is in effect from 7 am and will remain in place until 10 am on Saturday. The Berlin Traffic Information Centre (VIZ) is asking all road users to adjust their driving style accordingly. If possible, cars should be left at home. The DWD recommends allowing for delays and obstructions when making necessary journeys.

School attendance suspended

In view of the current weather conditions, compulsory attendance at Berlin schools will be suspended on Friday. This was announced by the Senate Department for Education, Youth and Family Affairs. Parents and guardians can decide at short notice whether their children will attend face-to-face lessons on 9 January or stay at home. An informal written notification from the parents to the school is sufficient for this purpose. The basis for this decision is the AV Schulbesuchspflicht (Compulsory School Attendance Act).

Winter services and public transport prepared

According to the Senate Department for Mobility, Transport, Climate Protection and Environment, the BSR's winter services are well prepared and efficient. The BVG and S-Bahn have also prepared for winter weather. Nevertheless, restrictions on public transport cannot be ruled out due to the winter weather conditions. It is therefore important to stay informed about the current weather and traffic situation. The traffic situation can change at short notice. Before setting off, it is therefore advisable to check the travel information or the VBB app "Bus & Bahn". Senator Ute Bonde explained: "Let's stick together and all pitch in. That way, we can avoid unnecessary accidents and restrictions."

Accident Hospital Berlin at full capacity due to slippery conditions

Numerous people are currently being treated for accidents caused by black ice at Berlin's accident hospital. For days, people have been coming to the emergency room with broken bones, lacerations to the head, or traumatic brain injuries, said spokeswoman Angela Kijewski. "There are long queues, so we can only recommend avoiding any risks." She recommends attaching spikes to shoes to ensure better grip. "Also look out for your neighbors or ask if you can get things for older people to save them the trip," the spokeswoman requested.

Parks and palaces in Brandenburg and Berlin close

The parks and palaces of the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg remain closed as a precautionary measure. The predicted snow load increases the risk of broken branches, the foundation said. Restrictions on paths and roads are also likely. Depending on the weather conditions, further closures or barriers may be necessary in the coming days. The foundation asked visitors for their understanding. The Botanical Garden in Berlin will also remain closed on Friday due to the weather.

"Completely normal operations" at BER Airport

Air traffic at Berlin-Brandenburg Airport (BER) is running normally despite the forecast snowfall. "We have completely normal operations," said an airport spokesperson this morning. Although there have been a few flight cancellations, these may be due to conditions at destination airports. Airlines usually decide for themselves whether to cancel flights.