Early tree bloom triggers allergy warning as Netherlands records warm start to March

The Netherlands is experiencing an unusually early tree bloom this year, raising concerns for allergy sufferers as high pollen levels are expected to trigger severe hay fever. Southern regions are already seeing the first signs of birch pollen, which will spread across the country in the coming weeks, according to weather service Weeronline.

The early bloom follows a record release of alder pollen, whose peak has now passed. “The birch will cause many complaints,” Weeronline warned, noting that climate change is causing flowering seasons to start progressively earlier. Normally, birch trees release pollen at the end of March, but this year the season is already underway.

Weather conditions in the coming days may offer some relief to hay fever sufferers. A period of unsettled weather beginning Tuesday is expected to “cleanse the air” through intermittent rain, while southwesterly winds from the sea will bring additional clean air.

The unseasonable warmth is also breaking records. The average temperature over the first ten days of March reached 9.0 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record of 8.9 degrees set in 1991. Early March was also drier and sunnier than normal, with four consecutive daily warmth records set in the opening days of the month.

Forecasts indicate continued variability over the coming week. Tuesday afternoon will bring scattered showers moving from southwest to northeast, with a small chance of thunderstorms in the eastern regions. Temperatures will range from 10 to 14 degrees across most of the country, with slightly cooler conditions of 8 degrees on the Wadden Islands. By nightfall, skies will clear in most areas, with lows around 7 degrees and a moderate southern wind.

Wednesday will start with rain moving from west to east, accompanied by a strong south to southwest wind at sea. Inland temperatures will reach 12 degrees, while coastal areas remain around 9 degrees. Sunshine is expected to return in the afternoon as the rain moves toward Germany, though strong winds will persist, especially at the coast. Thursday will be largely dry, but coastal regions may see storm-force gusts. Daytime highs will range from 9 degrees at the coast to 13 degrees inland.

By Friday, rain will return in the morning, followed by scattered showers and occasional sunshine, with steady southwesterly winds. Weekend forecasts indicate continued variability, including occasional rain and cooler nights, with temperatures potentially dropping to freezing inland. Early next week is expected to bring more sunshine and slightly warmer daytime temperatures near 15 degrees, though mornings will still require winter jackets.