Very heavy showers and some thunder is set to hit much of the Netherlands on Monday, the KNMI weather bureau says.

In some south-western parts, up to four centimetres of rain may fall in some places, leading to localised flooding. Flooding has already been reported in Zeeland, Zuid-Holland and western parts of Brabant, news agency ANP says.

The thunder and lightning meant flights from Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport were suspended for a time on Monday morning because it was considered too dangerous for the crews to operate outside. 

This is causing long delays for passengers at one of the busiest periods of the year, the Telegraaf reports.

Public transport

In Amsterdam, there are fewer trams operating because of the weather and rail services at Station Zuid have also been affected by the heavy rain.

However, in the north and east it will remain largely dry with sunny periods and temperatures up to 26 Celsius.

Tuesday will be mainly dry with sunny spells and it will remain warm with sunshine and some showers for the rest of the week, the KNMI says.