Code yellow issued across Netherlands for Sunday as snow and ice approach
The Netherlands will face a nationwide yellow weather alert starting Sunday afternoon as snow and slippery conditions are expected, with the first snow hitting Zeeland, Zuid-Holland, and Noord-Brabant around 2 p.m., the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) said. The alert will likely end later Sunday evening in these regions, while Groningen, Drenthe, Overijssel, and the Wadden Islands will experience snow and ice from 6 p.m. until 4 a.m. Monday.
Weather services predict 3 to 5 centimeters of snow in some areas, with the snow turning to rain in the southwest during the evening. In the northeast, roads may remain icy into Monday morning. Weeronline warned that the snowfall could be heavier locally if conditions intensify.
Carnival-goers have been advised by the Red Cross to dress in layers and watch for signs of hypothermia. "If you see a friend suddenly shivering uncontrollably or breathing differently, there may be hypothermia. Wear enough clothing and use layers so you can adjust as needed," the organization said.
Sunday morning will be dry with sunshine across much of the country, though thin clouds will appear. Temperatures will rise to around 1 degree by midday, with moderate south to southeast winds, stronger along the coast and Wadden Islands.
By the afternoon, cloud cover will increase, particularly in the southwest. Snow will begin in Zeeland in the late afternoon, moving northeast across the country. Temperatures will drop toward freezing, allowing a light snow cover to form. In the evening, snow will fall nationwide, with 1 to locally 5 centimeters possible, before transitioning to wet snow and rain in the southwest. Landinward areas may continue to see snow into the night, while rain spreads from the southwest as temperatures slowly rise.
Monday will bring rain to much of the country. The northeast may see lingering snow in the early morning near freezing, while other areas will be above zero with occasional rain. Daytime temperatures will reach 2 degrees in the north and 7 to 8 degrees in the southwest, melting most snow.
Tuesday will feature a mix of sun, clouds, and occasional wintry showers, including hail and wet snow. Temperatures will range from 2 to 4 degrees in the north and east and 5 to 6 degrees elsewhere, accompanied by strong northwest winds. The rest of the week will remain changeable, with daily precipitation and occasional freezing nights, leaving the possibility of icy conditions.
