Most of the rain will move eastward to Germany on Thursday but it will remain cloudy, with the occasional shower and gusts of wind in the north and coastal areas, weather bureau Weeronline has said.

Temperatures will go up to 17° on Friday with sunshine following a cloudy morning.

Saturday will be a fine day as well with a UV-Index of 5, high enough to bring out the sunscreen. The southeast could see temperatures of up to 23°, while Den Helder and the Wadden islands will have to make do with 14°. Rotterdam, Utrecht and Zwolle will be enjoying a springlike 20°.

On Sunday temperatures will fall steeply to 12° to 15°, setting the tone for the rest of the week when it will be cold for the time of year, with the occasional hail storm and thunderclap.

The high temperatures of the last month and the rest of this week are not good news for hayfever sufferers. Grass pollen, which is the most common allergen, is abundant this week, Weeronline said, and sufferers are advised to stock up on medication.

The peak of the hay fever season is usually in June but is now expected in early May.