Denmark is bracing for severe winter weather as forecasts predict snow and ice from Sunday evening through Monday morning, with warnings issued across the country. The Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) has indicated potential hazards including significant snowfall, icy conditions, and gusty winds.
According to DMI meteorologist Mette Zhang, Sunday will start off calmly, but conditions will swiftly change. "The morning begins with dry and mild weather, but by the afternoon, everything will turn upside down as a warm front moves across the country, bringing widespread precipitation," she said. The snow is expected to start falling starting Sunday afternoon, particularly affecting the northern regions of Jutland, where the potential for blizzard-like conditions is of greatest concern.
The criteria for classifying conditions as a snowstorm include more than 10 cm of snow within six hours, winds exceeding 10 m/s, and the likelihood of snowdrifts. Currently, it seems North Jutland might not meet these criteria, but DMI is monitoring the situation closely. A warning for snowstorms could be issued if the forecasted totals rise dramatically before the weather system transitions to rain.
Starting Sunday evening, ice formation becomes another risk as temperatures remain close to freezing. Zhang explains, "Icing occurs when supercooled water turns to ice upon contact with surfaces. Rain or melting snow can recombine to form dangerous conditions on all surfaces including roads, bicycle paths, and sidewalks." This prediction makes it imperative for residents to exercise caution if traveling during the evening and overnight.
The anticipated weather changes stem from low pressure southwest of Ireland, expected to move northeast and affect Denmark by Monday. Along with snowfall, winds from the southeast will pick up, increasing the potential for hazardous conditions, especially along the coasts where gusts may reach near storm strength. Zhang warns, "If you venture outside on Sunday evening, it will feel harsh and unpleasant. The winds will make it feel much colder, and visibility may decrease due to horizontal snow. Therefore, caution is strongly advised for all outdoor activities."
Nighttime temperatures are projected to range between -1 °C and 2 °C, creating conditions ripe for slippery surfaces. "With potential rain and thawing temperatures on the way, the snow we expect could quickly disappear, but we might have hazardous, slick roadways to contend with first," Zhang noted. According to forecasts, up to 30 mm of precipitation may fall across Northern Jutland before the system transitions to rain, particularly as warmer air moves through, impacting the snow accumulation.
Ahead of the anticipated snow, local authorities are preparing to manage any potential flooding as melting snow combines with rain. Low-lying areas near rivers and lakes could see local inundation due to the combination of heavy rainfall and thawing conditions. The DMI has alerted municipalities to be ready for these scenarios, as they hover near seasonal challenges.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant as weather changes can occur rapidly, and safety advisories from local authorities provide useful guidance on how to prepare. For example, avoid unnecessary travel during peak weather hours, particularly Sunday night, when road conditions may be at their worst due to ice and snow.
Forecasters continue to monitor conditions and will issue updates as necessary to keep the public informed of changing risks. Overall, the winter storm presents both logistical and safety challenges to the population affecting transport, infrastructure, and everyday life throughout the country.
With this severe winter weather looming, proactive steps are necessary to stay safe. DMI advises residents engage with weather updates frequently, drive with caution, and maintain awareness of local alerts and advisories. Indeed, as Mette Zhang highlights, planning travel wisely can mitigate the impacts of severe weather and reduce the risk of accidents caused by icy conditions.