Drought concerns return with dry, hot weather on the horizon

The Netherlands is in for a stretch of dry and warm weather. That’s great for summer lovers, but not good for the water levels in the country. The precipitation deficit will increase considerably in the coming period, bringing the Netherlands close to the record drought of 1976, Weeronline expects.

The country already faced drought in the first months of the year. That was briefly interrupted in May, when 60 to 80 millimeters of rain fell in the northwest and southeast, and 20 to 40 millimeters in parts of the southwest.

But now, it is back to dry and sunny weather for the foreseeable future. Temperatures will also increase considerably, with summer values of 25 degrees or higher in many places. By the weekend, thermometers could even climb to tropical values of 30 or higher, especially in the southeast. “This combination of dry, sun, and heat will increase the precipitation deficit rapidly.”

The precipitation deficit is currently around 130 millimeters, making this year one of the 5 percent driest years since measurements started. “With the current precipitation forecast, the deficit will increase rapidly, and on June 21, we will even come close to the record year of 1976.”

Today will be sunny and warm. Maximums will range between 20 degrees along the northern coast and 28 degrees in the southwest, with a moderate westerly wind. The sun will shine brightly, and unprotected skin can burn within 10 minutes, so remember your sunscreen.

Wednesday will look much the same. On Thursday, temperatures will dip slightly and maximums will range between 19 and 23 degrees. From Friday, it will be properly warm again, and on Saturday, thermometers could hit 30 degrees in the southeast.