After a brief sunny respite for most regions on Thursday, the German Weather Service (DWD) said a low-pressure system bearing the name “Karin” was barrelling towards the country with snow storms in tow.

Temperatures on Thursday will range from minus one degree Celsius in the east to plus three degrees in the west.

But “Karin” will begin dumping more of the white stuff in the west on Friday morning. The wintry storm will spread throughout the southeast over the course of the day. Some regions will see a thick blanket of snow, while strong winds could produce drifts. Lower altitudes could experience rain or sleet. Temperatures will range around the freezing mark.

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The storm will continue to bluster into Saturday, and although snow will then only be likely in the Alps, temperatures will begin to sink across the country.

This “Russian” cold from the northeast make mittens, scarves and hats mandatory for anyone planning to visit a Christmas market this weekend. Top temperatures could be as low as minus six degrees and are not expected to rise above zero even during the day.

Only the far northwest will begin to thaw a bit by Sunday, though the warmer front could also bring rain and snow.

“The wintry weather will stick with us into next week,” said DWD meteorologist Simon Trippler in a statement.

DPA/The Local/mry