The Netherlands is facing a chilly week, with strong winds, rain and possibly snow, particularly in the northeast of the country.

Temperatures in the northeast will be no higher than around freezing point on Monday and, in central parts and the south, it will be 4° at most, according to weather bureau Weeronline.

On Tuesday, rain will spread across most of the country, with temperatures just above freezing, although it will feel much colder due to strong easterly winds.

The rain may fall as snow in Friesland, Groningen and the northern part of Drenthe province, although weather models make this difficult to predict, Weeronline said.

Conditions will remain changeable as the week continues, with temperatures reaching no higher than 2° in the north. In the south, however, it will be warmer at around 7°.

By next weekend, warmer southerly winds are expected to dominate, ending the current cold spell.

The public health institute RIVM on Sunday issued a smog warning for the  northern half of the Netherlands, saying air quality is “bad” in some places. The smog is likely to blow over as Monday morning progresses, the RIVM said.

A high concentration of fine particulate pollution can cause health problems, particularly for people with lung conditions.

The agency has advised people with asthma, bronchitis and heart and artery disease not to overexert themselves and to consult a doctor if they feel it is necessary.