The temperature topped 30 Celsius in Arcen in Limburg on Wednesday, making it the first day of the year with ‘official’ tropical temperatures.

Over the past 30 years, it has taken until early June for the temperature to rise above 30 Celsius, and last year it was not until June 16 that it did so, weather bureau Weerplaza reported.

On Thursday, however, the picture changes, as storms and strong winds move in, particularly in the north and west of the country. There will be some sunny spells, however, mainly in the south.

The KNMI weather bureau says there will be more storms on Friday, particularly in the south, where 10 to 20 millilitres of rain may fall.

The weekend will be dry, with some sunny spells and temperatures in the low 20s but the rain will be back next week and it will be cooler, at no more than 19 Celsius, the KNMI said.