The Hague – Don’t put away your heavy coats just yet. While the Netherlands is currently enjoying unseasonably mild temperatures of around 10°C, meteorologists warn that a significant “winter comeback” is looming. According to the latest models from the KNMI, a shift to easterly winds this weekend will usher in freezing air from Eastern Europe, bringing back night frosts and the possibility of snow by late January.
Table of Contents
- Weekend Outlook: The Turning Point
- Next Week: The Big Freeze
- Travel & Safety Warnings
- February Outlook: How Long Will It Last?
- Key Takeaways
- Dutch Learning Corner
- Community CTA
Weekend Outlook: The Turning Point
The current warmth, driven by southwesterly Atlantic winds, is set to vanish by Saturday. Weeronline and the KNMI both predict a dramatic shift as the wind turns towards the east. Expect daytime temperatures to drop to 6°C or 7°C initially, which is more typical for January, but the real chill arrives shortly after.
Next Week: The Big Freeze
By the middle of next week, the Netherlands will likely enter a period of “sustained cold.” Daytime temperatures may struggle to rise above 0°C, and widespread night frost is expected across the country. While heavy snow isn’t guaranteed, light flurries are increasingly likely in the northern and eastern provinces as the cold air mass settles in.
Travel & Safety Warnings
The return of freezing conditions poses a significant risk to the daily commute. Authorities are already preparing to salt the roads, but motorists are advised to watch out for “ijzel” (black ice) and slippery patches on cycle paths. For the thousands of cyclists in cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht, the morning commute will require extra caution starting Monday.
February Outlook: How Long Will It Last?
Will we get an Elfstedentocht (Eleven Cities Tour)? While it’s too early to say the canals will freeze deep enough, the KNMI’s long-term models suggest that this easterly wind pattern could persist well into early February. This means we might be looking at a prolonged cold spell rather than a brief snap.
Key Takeaways
- The Shift: Cold easterly winds replace mild Atlantic air starting this Saturday.
- Frost Warning: Prepare for sub-zero temperatures at night across all provinces.
- Snow Potential: Light snowfall is possible, especially in the East and North.
- Duration: The cold spell is expected to last into early February.
Dutch Learning Corner
| Word | Pronun. (Eng) | Meaning | Context (NL + EN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ❄️ De Vorst | De Vorst | The Frost | Er is matige vorst vannacht. (There is moderate frost tonight.) |
| 🌬️ De Oostenwind | De Oh-sten-vint | The East Wind | De oostenwind brengt kou. (The east wind brings cold.) |
| ⛸️ Schaatsen | S-khaat-sen | Ice Skating | Kunnen we al schaatsen op de grachten? (Can we skate on the canals yet?) |
| 🌡️ Onder nul | On-der nul | Below zero | De temperatuur zakt onder nul. (The temperature drops below zero.) |
Are You Ready for Real Dutch Winter?
Some expats love the snow, others dread the ice. Are you hoping for frozen canals so you can finally go ice skating, or are you staying inside with a warm warmen chocomel? Let us know in the comments!
Source / Data: KNMI (Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute)
