Strong winds and rain are likely to put a dampener on the New Year festivities on Saturday night in some places, weather forecasters said on Friday.

Saturday will be cloudy with some showers but the wind will gather in strength as the day progresses, the KNMI weather bureau said. It will also be very warm for the time of year, at 13 Celsius in the north and 17 Celsius in the south.

Rain will move into central and northern parts in the early evening but it will be dry in many places later. However, the wind will reach gale force 6 to 7 in coastal areas, and could be as much as 80 kph in the north west. Rain, the KNMI said, will also be more likely towards the end of the evening.

Weerplaza paints a similar picture and says it is still unclear if it will be dry or not at midnight. ‘You will be able to pick up oliebollen, visit friends and family or set off fireworks without freezing, but the strong wind and rain make it a lot less pleasant to be outdoors,’ Weerplaza said.

Weeronline, however, is more optimistic and says it should be mainly dry around midnight. ‘If some rain falls, it will be in the west and northwest and there will be clear spells in the southeast,’ the weather bureau said on Friday.

New Year’s Day will also be wet, windy and warm for the time of year, with temperatures reaching 14 Celsius, the KNMI said.

According to the AD, the strong winds may also put paid to some of the organised firework shows which are due to take place to see in 2023.