First storm of the year could hit Netherlands this evening

The Netherlands is in for blustery autumn weather this weekend. Strong winds are expected, especially in the southwest. Gusts could reach 100 kilometers per hour, according to Buienradar. There is even a small chance that this will turn into the first official storm of the year.

Friday will be cloudy with showers moving across the country, interspersed with some dry spells. Maximums will climb to around 13 degrees, according to the KNMI.

The wind will pick up as the day continues and turn blustery by the late afternoon. The KNMI issued a code yellow warning for Limburg starting at 5:00 p.m., and for Zeeland and Zuid-Holland starting at 7:00 p.m.

According to the KNMI, gusts could reach 90 kilometers per hour. Buienradar forecasts that the winds could reach storm force 8 along the southwestern coast, with gusts up to 100 kilometers per hour. For this to turn into the first official storm of the year, the average wind speed must reach force 9 for at least one hour. Buienrader considers this unlikely, but possible.

If this does turn into the first storm of 2026, it will coincidentally happen exactly one year after the last storm - storm Benjamin - swept across the country on October 23 and 24, 2025.

The strong winds will continue into Saturday, only temporarily dying down in the afternoon. The sun might make an occasional appearance, and maximums will climb to around 13 degrees. More blustery weather will hit tomorrow evening, with lots of rain in the entire country and strong winds along the coast and above the IJsselmeer.

“On Sunday, there will be some more rain, especially in the north,” the KNMI said. “Monday and Tuesday will also see some rain, with mild temperatures on Tuesday. From Wednesday, the weather will turn dry with spells of sunshine.”