Heavy showers, some with hail, are likely to hit the west of the Netherlands in particular on Thursday, with temperatures dropping to 8°C.

More heavy rain with hail is also expected in the evening in the south and east of the country, weather bureau KNMI said.

Overnight, the clouds will clear, and the temperature could drop as low as -4°C in sheltered inland areas.

On Friday, the sunshine will return, interspersed with occasional showers.

The weekend will be dry and chilly, with night frosts and temperatures reaching no higher than 8°C, although there will be plenty of sunshine. By Tuesday, the sun will be back full-time, and temperatures will start to rise again, although the nights will remain cold,the KNMI said.