Netherlands to see weather rise from -2°C overnight to 19°C by the weekend
The Netherlands is set for a dramatic temperature swing this week, with nighttime lows of -2 degrees giving way to near summer-like conditions by the weekend. Forecasts indicate that temperatures could reach as high as 19 degress on Saturday, an unseasonably warm spell for early March, according to reports from KNMI and weeronline.
The warming trend begins Tuesday, with mostly clear skies and daytime highs ranging from 7 degrees on the Waddeneilanden to 12 degrees in the south. Winds will remain light across much of the country, except for moderate southwesterly gusts along the coast and over the IJsselmeer.
Overnight into Wednesday, temperatures will drop to around freezing, with some areas seeing lows of -2 degrees. Mist and fog are expected in the southwest, though they should dissipate by morning.
By Wednesday afternoon, a noticeable increase in temperature is expected. The mercury will rise to 8 degrees on the Waddeneilanden and up to 15 degrees in the south, with clear skies dominating. "Tomorrow will bring full sunshine across the country," meteorologists said. "The southwest wind will be mostly weak, except along the coast and northern regions where it will be moderate."
Thursday will see further warming. In the south, temperatures are projected to reach 18 degrees, with the highest values expected in Limburg and eastern Noord-Brabant. Areas exposed to wind from the water, including Friesland and the Waddeneilanden, will experience slightly cooler conditions, with highs between 11 and 13 degrees.
The unseasonable warmth will peak on Friday and Saturday, with widespread sunshine and little to no rain.
"By Friday, we could see high-altitude clouds and potentially some Saharan dust over the country," meteorologists reported. "However, this will have minimal impact on temperatures. The south wind will remain moderate, and daytime highs will range between 16 and 18 degrees."
Saturday is expected to be the warmest day of the week, with temperatures between 16 degrees and 19 degrees across the country, nearly double the early March average of 8 degrees. The Waddeneilanden will remain slightly cooler at around 12 degrees.
On Sunday, temperatures will drop slightly but remain above average. The forecast calls for highs between 14 and 16 degrees, with 12 degrees expected on the Waddeneilanden.
Following the warm spell, temperatures are projected to decline early next week. Meteorologists expect highs to settle around 10 degrees by midweek, with an increasing chance of more unsettled weather.
The unusual warmth comes at a time when early March temperatures typically hover around 8 degrees. While the dry, sunny conditions are welcome, experts note that such warm spells are becoming more frequent in recent years.
