Rain gear was the order of the day for the first group of hikers kicking off the third day of the Nijmegen Vierdaagse. On Thursday the hikers were greeted by heavy rainfall and thunder when they started their hike on the Wedren in Nijmegen at 4:00 a.m., according to the Gelderlander.

KNMI issued a code yellow storm warning for the eastern parts of the country. The warning is in place until late afternoon. "In the east there will be some thunderstorms from time to time. The storms can be accompanied by hail and wind gusts", according to the meteorological institute. "Traffic and outside activities can be hindered. Avoid open water and open areas, don't shelter under trees."

A total of 39,719 Vierdaagse participants will hike over the hills around Groesbeek today. Despite the rainy weather, hikers are expected to have a somewhat easier time than Wednesday, when afternoon temperatures peaked at 32 degrees. The area around Nijmegen is expected to be relatively cloudy all through the day, with maximum temperatures around 25 degrees. 

The annual four day hiking event started on Tuesday and ends in the Nijmegen city center on Friday. 

Na deze warme wandeldag zijn de cijfers bekend. / After a warm day of walking the numbers are in. #4d17 pic.twitter.com/kMdSNijjAZ

— 4daagse/wandelnieuws (@4daagsenieuws) July 19, 2017