Apart from eastern areas, records were set for April 2, with at least 25 degrees in Hesse, Rhineland Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia as well as Baden-Württemberg, according to the German Weather Service (DWD).

But the high pressure weather system Peggy, which graced Germany with a broadly sunny and warm weekend, was set to start losing influence by Monday – and a return to more typical early spring weather is expected in the week.

Storms and lower temperatures were expected on Sunday evening in western and northern areas thanks to low pressure system Günther, the DWD reported.

As the first beer gardens opened their doors in many regions, the ski season in other areas closed, with the last lift in the Bayerische Walt – the Arberlift – closing on Monday.

Sunday was the last skiing day with around 30 centimetres still on the ground on the Großen Arber, although normally there is snow for longer, with around a metre of the white stuff still available in early April.

The DWD said the lack of snow falling in the early part of the year was responsible, rather than higher-than-normal temperatures.

Monday will bring thick cloud cover and rain in the south and east while there is likely to be showers in the north. Top temperatures will be more typical at between 13 and 17 degrees.

Areas with lengthy cloudless intervals could even experience some ground frost on Monday night, the DWD said.

Tuesday will see more cloud particularly in the north where rain is expected, while Wednesday will also be cloudy with showers. Temperatures in the southwest will be up to 20 and even 25 degrees, while in the north it will remain at a maximum of around 15 degrees.

Click here for The Local’s weather forecast.

DAPD/hc