Overview
- The DWD maps hazards on a Green‑to‑Violet scale across snow, ice, wind and heavy rain, with hatched areas used as advance notices when timing and intensity are still uncertain.
- Yellow denotes first‑level official warnings and calls for caution and regular checks in the WarnWetter app or on dwd.de.
- Orange marks “markant” weather with potential localized damage and advice to limit travel and avoid risky activity.
- Red signals an official severe weather warning, urging people to avoid being outdoors where possible and to carry emergency supplies if driving.
- Violet is the highest level for extreme events posing life‑threatening danger, with guidance to stay home, follow authorities and watch for freezing rain that can quickly create mirror‑smooth ice.