Dense fog triggers code yellow across northern Netherlands as south turns mild and sunny

A code yellow weather warning is in effect Sunday morning across large parts of the northern Netherlands due to locally dense fog, while a sharp contrast in temperatures and sunshine is expected between the south and the north as the day progresses.

The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, KNMI, said dense fog in Flevoland, Overijssel, Drenthe, Groningen, Friesland and the Wadden area can reduce visibility to less than 200 meters, limiting how far drivers and other road users can see ahead. The code yellow warning was issued Saturday evening for Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe and the Wadden Islands and was expanded Sunday morning to include Flevoland and Overijssel.

“The fog will clear later in the morning from the south,” KNMI said. “But especially in the Wadden area and the west of Friesland, the dense fog can be persistent.”

As of Sunday morning, cloud bands and sunny spells are present across much of the country. The north, northeast and parts of Twente are expected to remain cloudy and misty, with locally dense fog continuing. An isolated shower may still occur early in the extreme northwest, after which conditions are forecast to remain largely dry.

During the afternoon, the middle and southern parts of the Netherlands are expected to see prolonged sunny periods with only some high cloud cover. Temperatures there are forecast to reach 8 to 11 degrees.

In contrast, the north and northeast are expected to remain overcast, with temperatures between 3 and 6 degrees. The boundary between sunny and gray conditions is expected to run roughly across northern Noord-Holland, Flevoland and between Overijssel and Gelderland. Winds are forecast from the east to southeast and will be weak to moderate.

Cloud cover is expected to increase Sunday evening and overnight, spreading from the north and northeast toward the center of the country. Hazy conditions will develop, with a renewed chance of dense fog.

The south is expected to see variable cloud cover, while Limburg is forecast to remain relatively clear. Temperatures are expected to fall to around freezing, with local light frost possible in the northeast and potentially also in Limburg. Along the southwest coast, temperatures are expected to remain between 3 and 5 degrees.

Monday is forecast to remain dry. The middle and northern parts of the country are expected to stay gray and locally foggy, while the south will see sunshine at times. Gradually, sunshine is expected to break through in the central Netherlands as well. Temperatures are forecast to range from about 3 degrees along the north coast to 9 degrees in the south, with light to moderate southeast winds.

Tuesday is expected to begin dry with sunny intervals. Cloud cover is forecast to increase from the west during the afternoon, with light rain expected later in the day in Zeeland. Evening rain is forecast to spread inland from the southwest. Temperatures are expected to rise to about 7 degrees in the north and 10 degrees in the south, with cooler conditions on the Wadden Islands.

Wet and mild conditions are expected Wednesday and Thursday, with frequent cloud cover and periods of rain. Winds are forecast to turn southwest on Wednesday and more westerly on Thursday. Temperatures are expected to reach 9 to 12 degrees Wednesday and around 9 degrees Thursday.

Colder weather is expected later in the week as winds shift to the northwest. Afternoon temperatures are forecast to fall to 4 to 6 degrees, with nighttime frost possible inland, particularly over the weekend. Showers are expected at times and may become wintry, with wet snow possible, alternating with dry periods and sunshine.