Clear skies set for solar eclipse in the Netherlands as hot weather rolls in

The hot summer days are not over yet: more heat is set to hit the Netherlands this week, with temperatures forecast to reach highs of 35 degrees celsius. The upside is that we can also expect clear skies on Wednesday, which means the rare solar eclipse will be easily visible. 

High chance of another heatwave in the Netherlands

After a balmy week, the Netherlands can expect more hot weather in the coming days. Monday and Tuesday will offer a short respite in the north, as temperatures lower to between 20 and 23 degrees celsius, with some cloud cover creating some shade.

However, in the south it will still remain warm, with the mercury rising to highs of 26 degrees. It could even get as hot as 29 degrees in Limburg, reports Weeronline. 

On Wednesday, August 12, warmer air will roll in, bringing temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees. It will get even hotter on Thursday and Friday, with the mercury set to rise to between 30 and 35 degrees locally - the highest temperatures are expected in the east and southeast of the country. The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) is likely to issue heat warnings later in the week.

According to Weeronline, these high temperatures make it likely that another regional heatwave will be recorded. To be classified as a heatwave, an official weather station must record temperatures of 25 degrees or higher for at least five days in a row, of which at least three days must be tropical with highs of 30 degrees or higher.

Clear Dutch weather means solar eclipse will be visible

During the evening on August 12, the solar eclipse is taking place. With favourable weather forecast, it looks like residents in the Netherlands will have a clear view of the special celestial event.

Several observatories are organising safe viewing sites for the evening. It is important to note that observers shouldn’t look directly at the sun during the eclipse, and should use ISO-certified eclipse glasses.