Autumn weather is setting in across the Netherlands, with strong winds expected to persist through Sunday. Forecasters say it is still uncertain whether the country will experience its first official storm of the season, as that depends on the exact track of storm Austen. What is clear is that it will be windy at times from now until the end of the weekend.
Friday morning starts wet, with heavy rain in places. The rain eases later in the morning, leaving a dry spell, though skies remain cloudy. In the afternoon, the core of storm Austen is expected to bring more clouds, rain and strengthening winds. From late afternoon, the southwest of the country may see the strongest gusts.
What this means if you are learning Dutch or new in the Netherlands
Windy autumn weather is a normal part of Dutch life, so there is no need to worry, but it helps to be prepared. If you cycle, allow extra time and be careful on exposed routes, especially bridges and open stretches. Keep an eye on weather apps and local news for updates, as storm forecasts can change quickly. It is also a good moment to learn useful Dutch words like waarschuwing (warning), windstoot (gust) and regenbui (rain shower). If you are new, note that public transport can be disrupted by strong winds, so check your route before travelling. And if you have loose items on a balcony or in a garden, secure them before the weekend.
The coming days are a good reminder that autumn in the Netherlands often means wind and rain, so dressing in layers and carrying a waterproof jacket is sensible.