The first six weeks of the current astronomical winter are the warmest on record, website Weeronline says on Wednesday.

The average temperature at the De Bilt weather station near Hilversum has been 8.2 degrees so far this winter, compared with 3.5 degrees in a standard year. The previous record – 7.2 degrees – dates from 2007.

There was no frost at all in December and only a slight dip below zero on January 2, Weeronline says.

However, frost is more likely later this week and at the weekend. In particular, there will be sleet on Friday, with a chance of some snow cover in the Limburg hills, Weeronline says.