Today maybe Netherlands' hottest June 15th ever

Today may well become the warmest June 15th in the Netherlands since temperature measurements started in 1901, weather service Weerplaza expects. Afternoon temperatures will range from 23 degrees on the Wadden islands to 30 degrees in the east. Though those hoping for a beautiful summer's day will be disappointed - storms are expected to hit the country this afternoon.

Meteorological institute KNMI even issued a code yellow storm warning for Limburg from 3:00 p.m. this afternoon. There is a chance of thunderstorms, possibly accompanied by lightning strikes, hail, strong winds and lots of rain falling in a short period of time. "Traffic and outside activities may be hindered. Avoid open water and open areas, do not shelter under trees." the KNMI warns.

The previous heat record for June 15th is 29.1 degrees, measured in Soesterberg in 1957. Weerplaza expects that the record will be broken in Twente, Achterhoek and Limburg today.

According to the weather service, the heat record for June 15th is remarkably low, given that the records for the days before and after it are all around 32 degrees. The heat record for June 18th is even 34.7 degrees. "With all this summer weather, we can almost forget that the weather can be totally different this time of year", Weerplaza meteorologist Michiel Severin said. The coldest maximum temperature ever measured for June 15th is 9.5 degrees. "Such cold is almost unimaginable. Coincidentally, that temperature was also measured at Soesterberg airport."