People planning to take advantage of this weekend’s sunshine are being warned to make sure they protect their skin, because the sun is expected to be particularly strong for the time of year

Weather bureau Weeronline says UV levels could reach up to seven in the south, meaning unprotected skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes. Around 5.5 is normal for the time of year.

This weekend the temperature is expected to climb into the high 20s and it will be mainly dry with some cloud. Next week it will remain warm but localised thunderstorms will be likely, particularly from Tuesday onwards.

Event organisers have been making plans to deal with the heat. The organisers of the Leiden Marathon have urged participants not to aim for a fast time. ‘And if you are not in good condition, opt for a shorter distance or don’t take part at all,’ broadcaster NOS quoted the organisers as saying.

The teams behind the Dauwpop and Emporium festivals have arranged for airco system in the tents and will supply free water and sun tan lotion to partygoers, NOS said.

Earlier this week, Weeronline said that after the bitter cold of March and the washout of April, May is on course to break records as the warmest in history.