The holiday weekend will be cool and unsettled, with frequent showers, strong winds and a chance of thunderstorms, according to weather bureau Weeronline.

Saturday will see temperatures between 16° and 19°, but showers will be widespread and accompanied by a brisk south to south-westerly wind. Local thunderstorms are also possible.

Sunday will feel even cooler, with a westerly to north-westerly wind bringing colder air. Temperatures will struggle to reach 15°, which is well below the seasonal average of around 20°. Although showers will continue through the morning, they are expected to ease later in the day, with some late sunshine likely in the evening.

Monday, the second day of Pentecost or Pinksteren, will bring a noticeable improvement. While a few showers are still possible, dry periods will dominate and there will be more sunshine. Temperatures will range between 16° and 19°, and the wind will ease to moderate.

Looking ahead, the weather will turn significantly warmer after the holiday weekend. By next weekend, temperatures are expected to reach 25° or higher in many parts of the country, with the possibility of 30° further inland.

Much of the week will be dry and sunny, though the chance of showers, possibly heavy with thunderstorms, will increase again from Thursday.