Recent scientific insights suggest that the polar vortex may bring earlier and colder winters to Europe, driven by unusual stratospheric warming events that can disrupt the polar vortex and allow cold Arctic air to flow southward. Experts from the German Weather Service indicate that a strong polar vortex typically results in milder winters, but recent climate change has weakened it, increasing the potential for colder spells despite global warming. The phenomenon involves complex atmospheric dynamics, including the role of the stratosphere and jet streams, and is influenced by the warming of the Arctic, which alters the stability of the polar vortex. Additionally, there is speculation about a possible 'century winter' scenario for Germany, akin to the severe winter of 1978/79, which was caused by a combination of a disrupted polar vortex and blocking high-pressure systems over Scandinavia and Russia. Such a pattern could lead to extreme snowfall, infrastructure disruptions, and prolonged cold spells if the right atmospheric conditions align, including persistent blocking highs and cold air masses from the Arctic. The media and scientific community debate whether recent heavy snowfall on Germany’s Zugspitze and other regions is an early sign of this potential extreme winter, or merely a temporary anomaly. The interaction of warm and moist air from the Atlantic with Arctic cold, along with storm systems, could intensify winter severity, especially if these conditions coincide with a weakened or disrupted polar vortex. In summary, ongoing climate change and atmospheric variability could increase the likelihood of severe and early winter weather in Europe, with potential impacts ranging from white Christmases to widespread weather-related disruptions. Experts emphasize the importance of understanding these complex interactions to better predict and prepare for future winter extremes.