The temperature remained marginally below zero at Hoogeveen in Drenthe all Saturday, making December 28 the first Dutch “ice day” of the winter.

Last winter the first day of sub-zero temperatures anywhere in the country was November 30, and the winter before that was December 9.

On average there are six days a winter in which the temperature fails to rise above zero but in the winter of 1946/47 there were 61 in Eelde, near Groningen.

According to Weeronline, colder weather is on its way in January, with some snow and ice likely.

The KNMI weather bureau puts the likelihood of colder weather at 80%, saying light frosts at night are extremely likely from early January onward, with “some wintry showers”.

The forecast for New Year’s Eve remains mild and overcast with showers and strong winds, particularly on the coast.