The Netherlands could be heading for its coldest Christmas in 15 years, with temperatures forecast to plunge in the coming days, according to weather bureau Weeronline.

An easterly wind is bringing in colder air, leading to light frost at night and daytime temperatures around freezing. With a strong wind-chill factor, however, it will feel much colder, Weeronline said.

Monday will see daytime temperatures of around 7°, but by Christmas Eve it will freeze overnight, and on December 25 and 26 temperatures will rise to no more than one or two degrees above freezing during the day.

It will also be sunny for the time of year, with plenty of blue sky, particularly on December 25.

The chilly conditions mean it may be possible to skate on artificial outdoor rinks by the end of the week. However, Weeronline warns against high hopes of widespread outdoor skating, saying it is not cold enough and the wind is too strong for ice to form in most places.

The KNMI weather bureau forecasts that the cold spell will continue and puts the likelihood of snow at 40% heading into early January.