The Netherlands will be hit by thunderstorms on Thursday night, weather forecasters say, and the KNMI has issued a code yellow weather warning for the whole country apart from Limburg.

The storms will hit the south at around 11pm and move northwards as the night progresses. The storm front will bring gales, hail and possible flash flooding in places, the KNMI said.

Drivers are also being warned to be careful on the roads, which are likely to be slippery after a relatively long dry spell.

Thursday is officially the first tropical day of the year, with the temperature topping 31 degrees in the De Bilt weather station near Hilversum. On Wednesday, the temperature hit 30 Celsius in the south.

The forecast for the coming few days is mixed. Friday will be similar to Thursday, with thunderstorms and sunny spells, but Saturday will be cooler with rain. Sunday is tipped to be hot again, with storms.

The rest of the week will be cooler with sunny spells and showers and little change towards the end of the month.