Wet snow possible after stormy start to the New Year, heavy winds to soften up

A stormy New Year’s Day unfolded across much of the Netherlands, with heavy winds, rain, and localized hazardous weather affecting large parts of the country. As the wind begins to die down, areas with higher elevation could see some snow and sleet hit the ground during the overnight hours. Frost and even snow remain a possibility over the weekend.

Dutch meteorological service KNMI extended Wednesday's Code Yellow warning for severe wind gusts in the northern and western regions, which lasted into the early evening hours. Winds from the southwest were strong inland and even stronger along the coast and over the IJsselmeer, where wind speeds may briefly reach storm force, with gusts between 80 and 100 kilometers per hour. Elsewhere in the country, gusts up to 75 kilometers per hour remain possible.

Widespread cloud cover and persistent rain were expected late afternoon and in the evening, with some areas experiencing heavy downpours. The chance of rain will remain high into the evening in most areas, though the northern regions are expected to see drier conditions later. Winds will gradually weaken and shift to the west overnight.

Wet snow could fall in areas that rise higher above sea level, like the 323-meter mountain of Vaalserberg and the Limburg hills. Rain will persist overnight in the rest of the southeastern portion of the country, the KNMI predicted. However, slippery road conditions are not anticipated.

The thermometer could dip close to the freezing point in the northern and central parts of the country by the early hours of Thursday morning, and around 4 degrees Celsius elsewhere. Most areas will become dry, although occasional showers are still possible along the coast. Winds will shift to the northwest and generally be light to moderate, though stronger gusts are expected in coastal areas and over the IJsselmeer.

Thursday morning will bring a mix of sunny spells and isolated coastal showers. The wind will be weak to moderate from the west to northwest. During the afternoon, more widespread showers are expected, with some areas seeing small hail or even thunder near the coast. The maximum temperature will hover around 6 degrees.

Thursday evening will continue the trend of unsettled, variable weather, with occasional showers. These could bring small hail and, in northern regions, wet snow. Winds from the northwest will remain light to moderate, with stronger gusts along the coast.

Expect winter weather showers on Friday, followed by light frost across inland regions during the overnight hours. "Saturday will be mainly dry with sunny spells," the KNMI said. The temperature will range from about 2 to 5 degrees during the day, falling to around -1 degrees overnight. Showers will continue, particularly in the coastal provinces, and may include hail or wet snow at times.

There is a 60 percent chance of snow on Sunday, the KNMI predicted. That will be mixed with a mild wind from out of the south which could be blustery in the more open coastal areas. But it might not be cold everywhere, and the sun could break through the clouds, bringing a high temperature ranging anywhere from 1 to 8 degrees.

With a continued high probability of precipitation, and overnight freezing temperatures on Monday, various provinces could fall under a weather warning on both Sunday and Monday for icy road conditions, the KNMI said. "There is a small chance that it will remain cold with snow," the meteorological office predicted.

Next week will remain variable, with an 80-percent chance of being quite cold, and more winter precipitation. The weather could then gradually warm up a bit, and remain dry into the middle of January.