Black ice triggers code orange warning in northern Netherlands; Code yellow elsewhere
Rain moving across the Netherlands from south to north on Tuesday will result in “treacherously slippery” conditions in many places, the KNMI warned. In the north, the conditions on the roads will be so dangerous tonight that the meteorological institute issued a code orange warning, starting at 10:00 p.m.
The KNMI expects black ice and slippery conditions for extended periods in many places in Groningen, Drenthe, Friesland, and the Wadden Islands tonight. The code orange warning will take effect at 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday and last until at least 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
“From Tuesday morning through Wednesday morning, a patch of rain will move across the country from south to north. In the central and southern parts of the country, it is uncertain whether it will freeze. If it does, it will become treacherously slippery in many places.”
A code yellow warning for icy roads, sidewalks, and bike paths will be in effect in the south between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and in the center of the country between noon and 5:00 p.m. Zeeland is the only province not affected.
The northern provinces have been facing freezing temperatures and icy conditions for days, but the weather in the south has been much milder. The temperature disparities continue in the coming days.
On Tuesday, maximum temperatures will range between -2 degrees Celsius in the northeast and +6 degrees Celsius in Zeeland. A moderate easterly wind will make it feel colder.
Wednesday will start cloudy, but will clear up everywhere except in the northern provinces by afternoon. No precipitation is expected, and many places should see some sunshine. Afternoon temperatures will range from freezing in the north to 11 degrees Celsius in the south, with a moderate southeasterly wind.
In the days that follow, it will be cold in the north with sub-zero temperatures at night and significantly milder in the south. “It will be cloudy most of the time with occasional rain, and occasional snow in the north,” the KNMI said.
