Thursday was the warmest March 14 since official records began at the turn of the last century, according to weather bureau Weeronline.

The temperature hit 17.7° at the De Bilt weather station, just breaking the previous record, which dates from 1991. In Eindhoven, it was even warmer at 18°, but official records are set at the Utrecht station.

New records for the warmest days also became official on January 23, February 15 and March 3 this year.

On Friday the clouds are back and there will be occasional showers throughout the day, with temperatures around 15° inland, according to the KNMI. Saturday will be cooler, at around 10° with some sunny spells, while Sunday will be overcast and wet, with temperatures no higher than 12°.