Meteorologist Björn Alexander told broadcaster N-tv on Friday that he predicted an early end to Germany’s cold snap.

According to the weatherman, winter in Germany is over (for now). Unusually mild temperatures are expected this coming February, possibly up to 3C higher than average.

While Alexander admits he cannot be 100 percent certain – such is the margin of error in weather predictions – his forecasts are backed up both by American colleagues and Germany’s national weather service. An Atlantic depression is set to displace a block of high pressure, leading to milder temperatures and an end to the ice.

This comes after one of the coldest Januaries in the last 30 years. In fact, the average temperature for the month was 1.7C colder than the norm. The effect was especially pronounced in areas of southern Germany such as Bavaria, which recorded a spine-tingling -26C .

The German Weather Service (DWD) forecast for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday:

And while Germany may be used to difficult weather conditions, that didn’t stop the River Danube from icing over in various places. In Nuremberg, its main canal even saw river traffic partially suspended, causing difficulties for shipping companies.

That looks set to end this weekend, however. Alexander predicts temperatures between -4C and up to 10C some western areas for Saturday, while Sunday will be between 2C and 9C across the country. Still, east Bavaria is still expected to be frosty at around -1C.

There are no guarantees, though. Märzwinter is the term used to denote a cold patch which often sweeps Central Europe in March or even April. So don’t pack away your snow boots just yet.