The Netherlands has recorded its 31st day this summer with temperatures above 30°C, breaking a record that had stood since 1947. Temperatures are expected to reach 36°C on Thursday and 37°C on Friday, while the country’s National Heat Plan remains in effect.
Temperatures reached 31.5°C in Maastricht on Wednesday, marking the 31st tropical day recorded somewhere in the Netherlands this summer, according to Weeronline.
The previous record, set in 1947, had stood for nearly eight decades.
The heat is expected to intensify over the next two days. Thursday will bring maximum temperatures of up to 36°C, while Friday could see temperatures reach 37°C in the south.
More heat records in sight
The Netherlands is also expected to record its fifth regional heatwave of the year on Thursday, matching the record number set in 1947.
A regional heatwave is defined as five consecutive days with temperatures above 25°C, including at least three days when temperatures exceed 30°C.
Several other records could fall this week. According to Weeronline, the temperature records for August 13 and 14 are certain to be broken, while records for the middle of August and potentially the entire month are also at risk.
The current national August record at the De Bilt weather station is 35.3°C, recorded on August 4, 1990. Across all weather stations, the August record is 38.6°C, measured in Warnsveld on August 23, 1944.
The country is also expected to record its eighth and ninth regional days with temperatures of at least 35°C this summer, which would itself set a new record.
Heat plan remains active
The KNMI has issued a yellow heat warning for the entire country through at least Saturday.
The RIVM’s National Heat Plan is also in effect, urging people to take precautions against the effects of high temperatures.
Thursday is expected to be hot across the whole country, with clear skies and no rain. Temperatures will range from around 31°C in the Wadden Islands to 36°C in the south.
Friday is forecast to be even hotter, with temperatures around 35°C in much of the country and up to 37°C in the south. Coastal areas will be somewhat cooler, at around 30°C.
Cooler weather after the weekend
The heat is expected to ease from Saturday, although thunderstorms could develop during the day.
The KNMI forecasts more changeable conditions after the weekend, with temperatures gradually falling slightly below the long-term average for mid-August of 22.5°C.
For now, however, the Netherlands remains in the grip of an exceptional summer heatwave, with several long-standing temperature records under threat.
Be First to Comment