Winter Weather in Groningen - Snow, Ice, and Safety Tips for the Weekend
This weekend, residents should prepare for icy conditions and changing weather as winter showers bring a mix of snow, hail, and rain. Roads and cycling paths will be slippery, so stay cautious.
Friday begins with sunshine, but wet snow and hail showers will soon follow, creating slick roads and pavements. Daytime temperatures will hover around 4 to 5 degrees Celsius, with a brisk northwesterly wind. Slippery conditions have already caused accidents in other parts of the country, and Rijkswaterstaat warns drivers and cyclists in Groningen to adapt their speed, maintain extra distance, and allow gritters space to operate safely.
Overnight into Saturday, temperatures will drop to freezing, increasing the risk of black ice. Fog may develop, making visibility low in the early morning. Saturday will remain cold, with highs around 4 degrees and intermittent wintry showers in the afternoon. Be especially careful during early morning commutes as icy patches are likely to persist.
Snow and Rain on Sunday
The first significant snowfall of the season is expected overnight from Saturday into Sunday. Snow will blanket Groningen in the early hours before turning into rain by the afternoon as temperatures rise to 5 or 6 degrees. Snowfall in Groningen is expected to linger longer compared to southern parts of the Netherlands, where the transition to rain will occur earlier. A moderate southeasterly wind will pick up during the day, bringing gusts along coastal areas.
By Sunday evening, temperatures will rise further, signaling a shift to milder conditions. Early next week, Groningen could see highs near 10 degrees, accompanied by rain and strong winds, before cooling down again midweek.
Stay Safe on Icy Roads
Groningen’s gritters are working hard to prepare the roads for winter conditions, spreading salt across highways and major streets. However, residential areas and cycling paths may still have icy patches. Cyclists should exercise caution, avoid sudden movements, and ensure their bikes are equipped for slippery surfaces. Drivers are urged to slow down, avoid abrupt lane changes, and keep an eye on updated weather and traffic reports.
A Milder Week Ahead
While the weekend will be marked by winter’s grip, milder weather is expected early next week, bringing temperatures in the double digits. However, midweek forecasts suggest a potential return to cooler weather and possible wintry showers.
Staying alert and prepared for rapid weather changes will ensure safety for everyone navigating the city during this period of fluctuating conditions.