Rain swept across much of the Netherlands on Wednesday morning as a large weather system moved through the country, bringing grey skies and some wind.

Conditions will gradually improve during the afternoon as the main band of rain moves eastwards. Western areas are expected to see some sunny spells later in the day, while inland regions may still experience a few scattered showers, with temperatures reaching between 9° and 12°.

Wednesday evening will turn drier across most of the country as showers fade away in the east and skies begin to clear from the west. Overnight temperatures will fall to between 2° and 5°, with a slight chance of ground frost in sheltered areas.

Thursday will start bright and sunny, although clouds will increase later in the day and winds will strengthen. Temperatures are expected to reach between 10° and 13°, with strong gusts possible along the north-west coast and the Wadden islands.

More unsettled weather is expected on Friday, with rain and strong winds in the morning before conditions gradually improve later in the day. The weekend looks changeable with occasional rain but also some sunny intervals and daytime temperatures of between 8° and 12°.

The KNMI long-range forecast sees drier, sunnier weather returning next week and towards the end of the month, with temperatures one or two degrees higher than average.