Code yellow issued for dense fog as ‘springlike’ weather could develop over the weekend

Dense fog prompted a Code Yellow weather warning across large parts of the Netherlands early Saturday, including Noord-Holland and several northern and central provinces, as unseasonably warm, springlike weather is expected to develop over the weekend, according to the KNMI.

The weather service warned that traffic may be disrupted in the affected areas because of limited visibility. The KNMI said conditions are expected to improve later in the morning as the fog gradually clears.

The KNMI issued the Code Yellow alert at 8:02 a.m. Saturday after dense fog reduced visibility to less than 200 meters in parts of the country. The warning applies Saturday morning to Noord-Holland, Utrecht, Gelderland, Flevoland, Overijssel, Drenthe, Friesland and Groningen. Fog is also reported on the Wadden islands. Earlier Saturday morning, the warning was also in effect in Zuid-Holland.

Weather conditions vary sharply by region. In the south, skies are sunny from the early morning hours. In the central Netherlands, sunshine is expected to break through more frequently as the morning progresses. Northern areas are forecast to remain gray and foggy for longer.

Despite the fog, temperatures are high for early February. The KNMI said the relatively mild conditions could make the weekend feel “springlike.” Highs are expected to reach up to 13 degrees in the south, with temperatures around 9 degrees in many other parts of the country.

Mild and generally pleasant weather is expected Sunday, though temperatures are forecast to be slightly lower than on Saturday. The KNMI said there is a chance of showers later Sunday, particularly in the western Netherlands.