Cold, wet weather grips Sinterklaas arrival as temperatures split across the country
The Sinterklaas arrival unfolded Saturday in cold, wet, and cloudy weather across the Netherlands, with rain in parts of the country and a sharp temperature gap between the north and the southeast, weeronline reported. Forecasters said conditions would “slowly turn drier” later in the afternoon, but widespread cloud cover and chill dominated the day.
Temperatures reached only about 6 degrees Celsius in the northern provinces, while the southeast climbed locally to 15 degrees. A moderate east wind made the festivities feel even colder in the north, and meteorologists advised wearing a “thick coat” for anyone outdoors. Winds in the south were weak to at most moderate.
Buienradar described the nationwide conditions as grim and said the differences across the country were “large.” The service reported that on Texel, the national arrival site, the weather was “water cold,” with a gusty easterly wind of force 6. It said the wind chill was around 3 degrees, adding that “warm clothing is definitely not a luxury.”
Light rain or drizzle remains possible in scattered areas throughout the afternoon, even as conditions are likely to slowly turn drier. The strong north–south temperature contrast stayed in place. Saturday evening and overnight will remain mostly cloudy.
Sunday will begin with little change, with low clouds still dominant and rain possible at times in central and southern regions. Clearing is expected to move in from the north late in the morning, bringing sunshine first to the northern provinces. In the south, the sun will likely set before the clearer skies arrive.
Highs will reach 7 to 9 degrees with a moderate northeast wind. Forecasters warned that temperatures could drop quickly Sunday evening where skies clear, and that “local light frost is not excluded.”
Colder air will move in Monday on a northerly flow, with highs between 8 and 10 degrees. Several heavy showers are likely, especially along the coast, and some may turn wintry with graupel or wet snow. Temperatures may fall a few degrees during the heaviest showers. Winds will be moderate to fairly strong, leaving the wind chill only a few degrees above freezing.
Tuesday will remain cold with frequent showers, some again likely to be heavy locally. Highs will fall further to 6 to 8 degrees. Winds will shift from north to west and stay moderate, becoming fairly strong along the coast.
Colder conditions are expected to continue from Wednesday. Highs will range from 4 to 7 degrees, and nighttime temperatures will often drop to around freezing. Regular precipitation areas are forecast, and meteorologists said that “especially in the nighttime hours, this may sometimes fall as wet snow.” Warmer weather is not expected in the coming days.
