The temperature is set to top 30° in the south this weekend, making this the first period in 2023 in which there are “tropical” temperatures in some parts of the country.

Meanwhile, at the Bilt weather station near Utrecht where official weather records are set, the temperature topped 25° shortly after midday on Friday. That means June 9 is the first “summer” day of the year – the latest recorded since the turn of the century.

The temperature had tipped 25° in other parts of the country in May but not in the Bilt.

The KNMI weather bureau sees three hot and sunny days ahead, with temperatures around 30° and cloudless skies, although it will be a little cooler on the coast.

Dutch railway company NS is putting on extra trains at the weekend to cope with the expected increase in people heading for a dip in the sea.

Cloud will move in from Tuesday and it will be a little cooler, but above average temperatures are set to remain for some time, the KNMI said.