Ice Skating in The Netherlands Amid Frosty Conditions

Many people in the Netherlands woke up this morning to a rare winter scene: a clear blue sky, bright sunshine, and a frozen landscape. In De Lier, Westland, and Winterswijk, outdoor ice skating is in full swing thanks to a few degrees of frost and the efforts of volunteers.

The ice rink in De Lier opened for the first time this winter. Although nighttime frosts have been frequent, mist has often hampered ice formation.

Last night at 10:30 PM, volunteers began preparing the rink by spraying a thin layer of water onto the concrete base. By 8:30 AM, hundreds of people were skating simultaneously.

The rink remains open “as long as possible,” states club president Wim van den Berg to Omroep West, noting that temperatures are expected to rise to around 5 degrees Celsius in the afternoon, which will cause the ice to melt. In Winterswijk, between 200 and 300 enthusiasts have gathered at the Winterswijk Ice Association rink, according to Omroep Gelderland.

Chairman Auke Spijkstra confirms the rink is in good condition, with nine millimeters of ice on the 400-meter track, sufficient for all skaters to enjoy.

Source: NOS

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