Netherlands records first regional super heatwave since 2020 as Ell hits 30.4 °C
At 10:00 a.m. Saturday, a temperature of 30.4 degrees Celsius in Ell, in Midden-Limburg, confirmed the Netherlands’ first regional superheat wave since 2020, Weeronline reports.
It is the earliest "super heatwave" ever recorded in the year and the first to occur in June. A super heatwave is defined as five consecutive days of at least 30 degrees. It also requires at least three days of 35 degrees or higher.
More locations in the southern Netherlands are expected to meet super heatwave criteria later in the day. Ell recorded 39.4 degrees on Friday. That is the highest temperature of the current event. It is also only the fourth time temperatures above 39 degrees have been measured in the Netherlands.
In the meantime, Code Red heat warning is in effect on Saturday in Limburg, Noord-Brabant, Gelderland, and Overijssel. Code Yellow is active in the Wadden Islands, and Code Orange is in effect in the rest of the Netherlands. In the evening, all of the country will be under a Code Yellow warning for thunderstorms and hail.
The current super heatwave developed after several days of extreme temperatures. The first 30-degree reading came on Tuesday. Highs reached at least 35 degrees on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. That buildup lowered the threshold for Saturday, when 30.0 degrees confirmed the super heatwave.
Officials said the event will end once temperatures remain below 30 degrees. Eastern parts of the country may still reach tropical heat on Sunday. However, highs are expected to fall to about 27 degrees on Monday, which will end the super heatwave.
