Rainy, unseasonably mild Sunday sets stage for warmer week in the Netherlands

A gray and rainy Sunday morning is affecting much of the Netherlands, with widespread precipitation moving across the country and temperatures well above seasonal norms, according to the latest weather forecast from weeronline. Conditions feel more like autumn than winter, the forecaster reports.

Several areas of rain are tracking from west to east, bringing steady rainfall through about midafternoon. The heaviest precipitation is expected in the southern part of the country, where local rainfall totals of 10 to 20 millimeters are possible.

Temperatures Sunday are mild for late February, ranging from about 8 degrees Celsius along the northern coast to as high as 12 degrees in the south. Typical daytime highs for this time of year are closer to 6 degrees. A southwest wind is blowing at moderate strength, becoming fairly strong along the coast, with wind speeds at force 3 to 5.

Rain is expected to gradually move out to the east Sunday evening, with conditions becoming drier nationwide overnight. Some breaks in the clouds are forecast, though another shower may develop near the coast later in the night. Overnight temperatures are expected to remain mild, between 6 and 8 degrees.

Unsettled weather continues Monday, with scattered showers moving across the country. Unlike previous days, there will also be dry periods, and sunshine is expected to break through at times. Highs will reach about 10 degrees along the northern coast, around 12 degrees in central areas and approximately 13 degrees in the south. Winds will again come from the southwest and will be moderate to occasionally fairly strong.

A shift toward warmer, more springlike weather begins Tuesday. The day will start cloudy, with a few lingering showers inland, but conditions are expected to turn dry in the afternoon as sunshine becomes more frequent, particularly in the south. Winds will turn southerly, allowing warmer air to move in. Temperatures are forecast to rise to between 10 and locally 16 degrees.

Wednesday is expected to be even warmer, with plenty of sunshine and distinctly springlike conditions. Highs are forecast near 12 degrees in the Waddengebied, around 15 degrees along the west coast and roughly 17 degrees in central and eastern areas.

In the three southern provinces, including Noord-Brabant, temperatures of 18 to 19 degrees are possible. It is not ruled out that urban areas could record a warm day, which would be exceptionally early in the year.

Thursday is also expected to be mild, with highs again ranging regionally between 15 and 19 degrees. Temperatures are forecast to dip slightly in the days that follow but remain well above 10 degrees. The chance of occasional showers increases, though no prolonged wet period is expected.