Thunderstorm warnings hit northeast Netherlands for second day after dry April

The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) issued a Code Yellow thunderstorm warning Sunday afternoon for the northeastern provinces of Groningen, Drenthe, and Overijssel, the second such alert in two days as significant rain finally arrived this weekend after an exceptionally dry April.

The warning took effect at 1 p.m. Sunday and is set to remain in force until 5 p.m. It highlights the risk of hail, wind gusts near 60 kilometers per hour, and brief heavy downpours of 10 to 20 millimeters.

Traffic and outdoor activities in the region could face disruptions, the KNMI said. The showers are expected to exit the country by Sunday evening.

Only 8 millimeters of rain fell nationwide in April, well below the monthly average of 43 millimeters. This weekend marked the first notable rainfall in a long time.