A blast of cold weather is set to hit the Netherlands on Wednesday with light frosts at night and temperatures no higher than 5 degrees during the day, weather forecasters say.

After several days of blustery rain, the temperature will drop as an easterly wind moves in, bringing frost on Wednesday night, particularly inland. Friday is set to be the coldest day, with temperatures barely rising above freezing point and Friday night could see temperatures drop to -3, the KNMI weather bureau said.

The temperatures will rise again at the weekend, and rain or sleet will return to western parts.

A spokesman for weather bureau Weerplaza said it is still too early to say if a white Christmas could be on the cards.

‘Temperatures of six or seven degrees are normal at the end of the month, so there is only a 7% chance of snow,’ a spokesman told broadcaster NOS. A more accurate forecast will be made next week.

The KNMI is not optimistic. It says there is a 70% to 80% chance of rainy weather and temperatures slightly above average for the time of year.