Another hot week ahead for the Netherlands, peaking at 38°C on Friday

The Netherlands is in for another week of hot weather, with maximums ranging between high-twenties and mid-thirties, peaking at 38 degrees Celsius on Friday. The highest temperatures are expected in the south. Unlike in recent days, the high temperatures will not be accompanied by severe thunderstorms. The KNMI forecasts mostly clear and sunny skies until Saturday.

A code yellow heat warning is in effect for everywhere except the Wadden Islands, Friesland, and Groningen, and will remain so for the coming days. “The coming days will remain (very) warm,” the KNMI said. “The combination of high temperatures and humidity is causing an unpleasant, oppressive heat.”

The heat could affect the elderly and people with other health problems, the KNMI warned. “However, anyone can experience symptoms like dehydration and overheating during strenuous physical activity.” The RIVM has implemented its national heat plan, calling on healthcare workers and caregivers to be extra alert to the people in their care.

Monday started with occasional clouds in a strip from Zeeland to Groningen, but clear skies and sunshine prevailed everywhere else. By the afternoon, it will be sunny everywhere, and that will remain the case until the weekend.

“This afternoon, temperatures will reach 26 to 31 degrees Celsius, except in the north.” On the Wadden Islands, thermometers will climb to around 21 degrees. The wind will be weak to moderate, blowing from the northeast. In the northern coastal areas, the wind will be fairly strong.

Nighttime won’t bring much relief for the major cities in the south and central parts of the Netherlands, where minimums will likely not drop below 20 degrees. In the north, minimums will fall to around 9 degrees Celsius.

Tuesday will be even hotter, with maximums ranging between 25 degrees Celsius in the northern coastal area and 33 degrees Celsius in the south. The wind will come from the east and will be light to moderate. Along the west coast, the wind will shift to blowing from the sea in the afternoon, causing it to cool down a bit there.

For the rest of the week, the KNMI expects “sunny, dry and exceptionally warm” weather with maximums between 34 and 38 degrees Celsius in the southeastern half. “On Saturday, the chance of a thunderstorm increases, and it cools down somewhat in the west. There is also a chance of a shower on Sunday, and it looks like it will become less warm everywhere.”