The warming was already well under way on Friday in the centre and south of the country, and indeed all regions were enjoying the above-freezing temperatures.

Northern parts of the country had temperatures between 1 degree Celsius and 5 degrees, while the mercury climbed to a whopping 14 degrees in parts of the southwest.

“After the widespread frost of the last weeks, it would almost be T-shirt weather – if it weren’t raining,” said DWD meteorologist Simon Trippler. “Over the course of the day, all areas of Germany will get probably some rain.”

The warmer weather will continue on Saturday with temperatures in many regions climbing into double figures – and as high as 16 degrees in the southwest. The northeast will remain somewhat cooler, at between 4 degrees and 9 degrees.

On Saturday, the northwest of the country can expect rain, while there is hope in the south of some sunshine.

“At 16 degrees-plus, people there will experience something like the start of spring,” Trippler said.

On Sunday, a new weather system hitting the middle of the country will bring heavier rain. Those showers, added to the meltwater flowing from the thaw, carries a continued danger of flooding.

However, to the north and south, the front is unlikely to bring much rain. The south of the country will again be warm, with highs reaching 13 degrees, but the north will gradually cool down.

Hardcore winter is not expected to return, however, until well into next week, Trippler said. While nights may drop below freezing point during nights, the mercury by day will generally hit the plus figures.

And with rain expected to hold off for some time, flood alerts should slowly ease.

Click here for The Local’s weather forecast.

The Local/djw