A north-easterly wind is set to bring freezing temperatures, sleet and snow back to the Netherlands at the weekend, weather bureaus said on Wednesday.

Although it will remain around 11 Celsius during the day for the next few days, it is set to freeze again on Sunday night, and there is a good chance of sleet or snow, the KNMI weather forecaster said.

There is also a 70% chance that temperatures well below the seasonal average will continue until at least March 20, the KNMI said.

Website Weeronline expects the chilly weather to hit northern parts on Saturday, as the strong north-easterly wind moves in from the North Pole.

The shift back to winter comes after Tuesday became the warmest March 5 on record, with temperatures topping 17 Celsius in places.