The KNMI weather bureau issued a code orange weather alert for the northern provinces on Monday, saying freezing rain and black ice are likely to create extremely dangerous conditions.

Drivers in Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe, where the first snow of the year fell overnight, are being warned to be very careful on the roads. A code yellow warning applies in Overijssel and Flevoland.

Black ice is created when rain falls on a road surface which is below zero degrees. It is highly transparent and difficult to see compared with snow or sleet.

The weather warning will apply until Tuesday morning at least, the KNMI said.

The rest of this week will remain chilly with showers, but it will be up to seven degrees in the south, the KNMI said.