The temperature plunged to as low as -10 degrees in Twente overnight and there was a frost over the entire country, weather forecaster KNMI said. In the urban Randstad area it was -5 degrees and on the coast of Zeeland -1 degree.

It is likely to remain on or below freezing point for the rest of the day, the KNMI said. On Friday night there will snow or sleet in places, bringing difficult conditions to many roads. On Saturday, the snow will turn to rain and black ice may develop in places.

Sunday is set to be overcast with temperatures just above freezing and the rain will return again next week.