Sunny and mild weekend ahead for Netherlands

While Friday is starting out gray and foggy, the Netherlands can look forward to a sunny weekend with spring-like temperatures, according to Weeronline. The sun will break through the clouds by Friday afternoon, with maximums climbing to between 10 and 12 degrees.

Over the weekend maximums between 12 and 15 degrees are expected. The first half of week will be even warmer. The sun will work overtime and afternoon temperatures can climb to up to 18 degrees. Late next week will see more clouds and a slightly better chance of rain, according to the weather service.

While many will celebrate the sunny weather, the Netherlands desperately needs the rain. The country is still facing a large precipitation deficit and the drought is even worse than in the winter of 1976-1977, according to Weeronline. Since April last year, 121 mm less rain fell than evaporated. Usually the Netherlands has a precipitation surplus of 171 mm this time of the year. 

The drought varies per region. It is much worse in the south, southeast and east than in the Groene Hart, for example .Currently Arcen in Limburg still has a precipitation deficit of 260 mm, while Rotterdam has a precipitation surplus of around 20 mm.

With growing season starting in April, waterboards and farmers are very concerned.