The KNMI weather bureau issued a code yellow weather warning for all but the Wadden islands on Friday afternoon, saying freezing conditions, light snow and fog patches will cause problems on the roads overnight.

Several parts of the country, including Enschede and Zwolle had a light dusting of snow on Friday morning and grit lorries were out in force. Speed limits have also been reduced in places because of the slippery conditions caused by black ice.

After more frost overnight, Saturday will be a dry day with plenty of sunshine and temperatures around zero. Sunday will be a little warmer, with rain likely at times, and it will freeze again overnight.

On Monday, however, it will be wet with temperatures up to 12 Celsius in places, and the picture is similar for the rest of the week. The KNMI’s long term forecast is for more of the same, with only a 30% chance of night frosts over the Christmas period.