Much of the Netherlands will take a four-day break from Thursday due to the Hemelvaart (Ascension) holiday, and the weather forecast is fairly promising, particularly at the weekend.

Thursday will start off cloudy with some light rain in the east of the country but the sun will break through in places in the afternoon. Temperatures will range from 21C in the south to 17C on the Wadden Sea islands.

Friday will be dry with some sun and temperatures reaching up to 20C inland. The best of the weather is on Saturday, with lots of sunshine and temperatures reaching up to 25C. Beachgoers beware, however. The sea temperature is still a chilly 15C.

Sunday will be even warmer – and it could reach 30C in the south according to weather forecaster Weerplaza. However, the weather will break later in the day, bringing rain and thunderstorms to southern parts.

Into next week, it will remain changeable, with showers interspersed with sunny showers and temperatures in the high teens.