Thunderstorm and tornado warnings as Dutch summer heatwave ends

Coastal provinces could be hit by heavy rain, hail and even tornadoes on Thursday afternoon as the hot, dry summer weather in the Netherlands comes to an abrupt halt.

The meteorological institute KNMI has issued a code yellow warning for all coastal provinces, from Groningen to Zeeland, including the Wadden Islands.

The agency has warned people in the area to expect heavy showers, hail and gusts of up to 60 km/h. Tornadoes have already been spotted off the coast.

The warnings for hail and thunderstorms are in place until 5pm for Groningen and Friesland and until 6pm in other coastal areas, where tornadoes are forecast.

Heavy showers and storms are expected to continue through Friday, especially in the IJsselmeer region, with temperatures reaching 19 or 20 degrees in the daytime. Nights will be much cooler at between 10 and 14 degrees.

The best of the weekend weather will be on Sunday, with more sunshine and temperatures of up to 21 degrees.