Although spring officially starts on March 21, winter is set to make a return this weekend, with freezing temperatures and snow, weather forecasters say.

On Friday there may be some light snow in the north later in the day, while the overnight temperature is set to plunge to -5 degrees in the east. The strong easterly winds will make it feel even colder.

On Saturday the temperature will hover around freezing point during the day but it will feel much more chilly in the wind, which could reach gale force in the Wadden Sea.

If the maximum temperature dips below 1.2 degrees at the De Bilt weather station near Hilversum on Saturday will be the coldest March 17 on record. The KNMI says snow is also likely.

Sunday will be warmer and the wind will die down, but the temperatures will still be far from spring-like and night frosts will continue well into the week, according to the KNMI.

Temperatures will remain below normal into the final week of March, the KNMI said.