Weekend Weather Update: From Thunderstorms to Sunshine – What Expats Need to Know

If you were planning to hunker down with a book this weekend after earlier forecasts of rain and thunderstorms, it might be time to dust off your bike instead. The latest prediction from the Dutch meteorological institute, KNMI, points to a mostly dry and sunny weekend across most of the Netherlands, with only a few showers expected in the north.

What the latest forecast says

According to KNMI's forecast published on 25 September, Friday will be sunny and dry, with highs ranging from 20°C in the north up to 25°C in the southwest. Clouds will move in during the evening, with a chance of rain in the north. Saturday will bring heavy cloud cover and scattered showers, but highs will still reach 17°C in the north and 23°C in the southeast. By Saturday evening, it will dry up, and Sunday is expected to be sunny with little chance of rain, reaching 21°C.

This is a significant shift from earlier outlooks. In late August, Weeronline predicted a weekend of rain and thunderstorms moving from west to east, with temperatures around 20–23°C and more than 10 mm of rain possible in some places. Mid-September forecasts from KNMI also called for a mix of sun and showers, with rainstorms on Saturday evening and highs of 18–22°C. The latest update suggests the weather systems have shifted, bringing a more settled pattern.

What this means for your weekend plans

For expats living in the Netherlands, this is good news if you were hoping to enjoy outdoor activities. The southern and eastern parts of the country will see the best weather on Sunday, while the north (think Groningen, Friesland) might still catch a light shower. Saturday looks more mixed, but the afternoon could still be pleasant in the southeast. If you're in The Hague or Rotterdam, expect similar conditions to the rest of the coastal strip – some clouds on Saturday but clearing up for a sunny Sunday.

Keep in mind that Dutch weather can change quickly. KNMI's forecasts are reliable but not set in stone, so it's wise to check Weeronline or the KNMI app for real-time updates. Sunday, in particular, looks ideal for a trip to the beach or a terrace lunch – just don't forget a light jacket for the evening, as temperatures will drop to around 13–15°C overnight.

A note on Dutch weather reporting

Unlike some countries where a single national weather service dominates, the Netherlands has two main forecasters: the government-run KNMI and the private company Weeronline. Both are widely used, but they sometimes differ in their predictions. KNMI tends to be more cautious and scientifically grounded, while Weeronline often gives more detailed hourly breakdowns. For the most up-to-date information, especially if you have outdoor plans, checking both sources can give you a fuller picture.

So, whether you're planning a bike ride through the dunes, a market visit, or just a walk in the park, this weekend looks like a good one to spend outside – at least until the next shower rolls in.