Thermometers in the eastern region of Twente and in the city of Maastricht in the extreme southeast of the country have dipped below -10 degrees Celsius for the first time this winter.

Severe frost occurs when air temperatures drop to between –10 and –15 degrees. Weather website Weeronline reports that severe frost was last recorded on 30 December 2010.

The wind is set to die down slowly on Thursday, which means that ice on lakes and canals will grow thicker that much faster. However, much to the frustration of ice skaters, a snow front is predicted to pass over the country on Friday.

The snow will reach the centre of the country by late afternoon and is expected to cause problems during the evening rush hour. Weeronline predicts between 3 and 6 centimetres of snow will fall. Temperatures on Friday will be slightly higher due to the cloud cover.

The current cold spell will last at least until Monday, after that the forecasters say the weather will become unstable.

(gsh/rk/tf)

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