Status: Upcoming. Authorities in Germany have confirmed that a significant freezing rain event is expected to affect large parts of North Rhine–Westphalia (NRW) and several neighboring federal states on Monday, 12 January 2026. Weather services have issued warnings for widespread icy conditions, with the risk of black ice forming rapidly during the early morning hours, particularly during commuter and school travel times.

According to officially confirmed forecasts, the hazardous conditions are being driven by a combination of rain falling onto sub-zero ground temperatures, leading to ice accumulation on roads, sidewalks, and school access routes. The warnings cover much of NRW, as well as parts of Hesse, Lower Saxony, Saarland, and Bremen. Authorities have described the situation as potentially dangerous, especially for children traveling to and from school.

The Ministry for School and Education of North Rhine–Westphalia has stated that there is no blanket, statewide school closure order at this stage. Instead, decisions regarding school closures, suspended in-person classes, or a switch to distance learning are being made at the local level. School principals and district authorities have been authorized to cancel classroom teaching if safe operation cannot be guaranteed.

Several districts in NRW have already confirmed precautionary measures, including the cancellation of in-person lessons and the transition to distance learning where technically possible. In Hesse and Lower Saxony, multiple local authorities have announced full school closures for Monday, citing confirmed risks of freezing rain and ice. Transport authorities have also warned of possible disruptions to school bus services due to road safety concerns.

Emergency services and weather authorities, including the German Weather Service, have urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel during the warning period. Parents and students have been advised to monitor official school communications, municipal announcements, and district websites for confirmed decisions affecting individual schools.

As of the latest official updates, the situation remains under continuous review. Authorities have emphasized that further decisions may be announced at short notice if weather conditions deteriorate. Parents are being advised to assume that safety considerations take priority and to keep children at home if travel conditions appear unsafe, even if no formal closure notice has yet been issued.

Sources

• Ministry for School and Education of North Rhine–Westphalia
• German Weather Service (DWD)
• WDR – Public Broadcaster NRW