The KNMI weather bureau has issued a code red weather warning for most of the country on Monday morning, because black ice is causing dangerous conditions on minor roads, cycle lanes and on pavements.

Regional bus company Arriva has cancelled all services in Friesland because of the black ice, and all regional health service coronavirus test and vaccination centres have been closed until midday.

Some schools and childcare facilities have also closed because of the treacherous conditions. Newspapers are also being delivered late, or not at all in some areas.

So far, no problems have been reported on the railways.

The black ice zone is moving slowly eastwards as the rain moves across the country and the thaw sets in.

This week’s weather will be in stark contrast to the wintry weather of the past nine days. It will be overcast with some rain at times, and temperatures rising as the week progresses. By next Sunday, it could be sunny and a spring-like 17 Celsius in the south, the KNMI said.