Northern parts of the Netherlands may be hit by snow and sleet overnight as wintry weather kicks in, weather forecaster KNMI said on Friday.

Sunday too, there may be some snow in the south west and coastal areas, as the temperature struggles to rise above freezing during the day.

Next week the temperature will be on or around zero during the day, but it will drop to as low as -6 Celsius overnight, particularly from Wednesday onwards. There is also a likelihood of more light snow showers.

According to weather bureau Weerplaza, some outdoor skating rinks may be able to open next week and some shallow outdoor skating areas may also have enough ice to support die hard skaters.

There is also little wind in the forecasts and that is good for ice growth, Weerplaza points out.

The KNMI’s long term forecast to December 23 is for continuing chilly weather and an increasing likelihood of ‘precipitation’.