Yes, you read that correctly. After a record-breaking month of March with tons of gorgeous sunshine, spring-like temperatures, and very little rain, the Netherlands is set to ring in the month of April with snow and sub-zero temperatures.

It’s snow joke: Snow and sub-zero temperatures on April 1

Despite what you might be thinking right now, this is no April Fool’s joke. Over the past few days, the Netherlands has seen the weather change significantly as temperatures dropped by around 10 degrees. Now, weather forecasts are predicting a considerable amount of snow as the country heads into April.

Thursday will see rain and sleet for much of the country, with the first snowfall expected in Groningen on Thursday afternoon. On Thursday evening and overnight, the snowfall will travel to the middle of the country, with many in cities such as Amsterdam and Utrecht likely to wake up to a veritable winter wonderland on Friday. 

Over the course of Friday morning, the snow cover will increase across the country. An average of three centimetres is expected across the Netherlands, with more than five centimetres of snow predicted in parts of the southeast of the country.

The Netherlands to face freezing temperatures as weather turns

The snow will be joined by pretty chilly temperatures, too. While the recent burst of warm weather means it’s unlikely the snow will hold, weather forecasts say the Netherlands should expect temperatures no higher than 6 degrees on Friday, while those up north should prepare for the mercury to drop below zero. 

"In Groningen, they can be happy when the temperature rises above freezing," meteorologist Maurice Middendorp told RTL Nieuws. "A winter coat and scarf are not an unnecessary luxury." Heading into the weekend, temperatures are set to rise slightly, and the sun may even make an appearance on Saturday and Sunday, but next week will likely bring more grey skies and rain - although luckily there doesn’t seem to be any more snow on the cards for now!