Thursday is the warmest December 30 on record, with the temperature reaching 13.1 Celsius at the De Bilt weather station near Hilversum. The previous record, of 13 Celsius, dates from 1925.

The temperature is expected to rise as the day continues and could be as much as 15 Celsius in places, weather bureau Weerplaza said.

The coming days will also be mild, with temperatures in the mid teens and there may be some sun on Friday, according to the KNMI.

Long term, the KNMI is expecting slightly cooler weather but only a 10% to 20% chance of below average temperatures.