Published on: January 8, 2026, 5:02 PM
In the northern part of the country, prolonged snowfall is expected during the night of Thursday, January 8 to Friday, January 9, 2026. Due to strong easterly winds, there is a chance of snowdrift, causing poor visibility. Additionally, snow dunes may form.
The KNMI has issued an orange code for the provinces of Friesland, Groningen, and Drenthe. Rijkswaterstaat urges road users in these regions not to travel during the night of Thursday to Friday and on Friday during the day unless necessary.
KNMI Forecast
On Friday, January 9, the KNMI expects 5 to 10 cm of snow in many places in the northern provinces of Friesland, Groningen, and Drenthe, possibly even 10 to 15 cm. Due to strong easterly winds, there is a chance of snowdrift and snow dunes may form.
In the course of Friday afternoon and evening, it will also snow in the rest of the country, where a few centimeters of snow may fall.
Traffic Impact
During the week of January 5, it became clear that winter maintenance during heavy snowfall presents challenges. Despite the deployment of 577 gritters, 630 snow plows, 3 emergency machines, and 1,500 people, we expect that the highways in the north of the country will not be cleared of snow immediately with this weather forecast.
Elsewhere in the country, road users may experience inconvenience from Friday afternoon due to winter conditions.
Due to strong winds, the KNMI expects snow dunes; these are more difficult to clear. Special snow plows and shovels are deployed for this. We also provide extra standby recovery vehicles to quickly move stranded vehicles to a safe place and keep roads clear for winter maintenance.
Advice to Road Users
- Do not go on the road in the northern part of the country unless necessary.
- Check weather and traffic information before departure. Via the website Rijkswaterstaat Traffic Information we share the current situation on the road.
- Be well prepared: bring enough food and drink and possibly a warm blanket or coat.
- Adjust your driving style to the conditions, keep sufficient distance, and avoid unnecessary lane changes.
- Give gritters and snow plows space.