Tropical heat continues in the Netherlands with highs of 38C this week

After a week of muggy weather, more scorching temperatures are expected across the Netherlands this week. Temperatures are set to soar to 38 degrees celsius or higher by Friday.

Heatwave hits the Netherlands 

The hottest temperatures of the year so far are set to arrive in the Netherlands. Each day this week will be marginally hotter before peaking on Friday, June 26, when the mercury is expected to reach 38 degrees, or possibly higher.

According to Weeronline, Monday will be the coolest day of the week, with highs ranging from 26 to 30 degrees. Temperatures will rise every day, already as high as 35 degrees by Wednesday. High humidity could make it feel even hotter. 

Due to the persistent heat, the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) has extended the code yellow warning until Wednesday, June 24. Chances are high that this will be extended further. The national heat plan is also in effect, focusing on supporting vulnerable groups, including the elderly and young children, during periods of persistent heat to prevent health problems.

More hot weather follows Dutch storms

The weather last week was already oppressively hot, as temperatures reached around 35 degrees. In fact, Friday was the warmest day in mid-June since records began. 

An official heatwave has not yet begun in the Netherlands, but could arrive this week. To be classified as a national heatwave, temperatures of above 25 degrees should be measured at De Bilt on five consecutive days and at least three of those days should be above 30 degrees. However, the south of the country has been experiencing a regional heatwave. 

The Netherlands isn’t the only country affected by the heatwave in Europe. France saw temperatures of 41 degrees over the weekend, while the UK, Germany and Spain are also seeing unusually hot weather. Scientists warn that heatwaves like this are likely to become more common due to global warming.

Where there are high temperatures and humidity, thunderstorms follow as was the case in the Netherlands at the end of last week. Many residents probably noticed the thunderstorm on Friday night when more than 188.000 discharges of lightning were seen across the skies. The heavy storm resulted in quite a bit of damage across the country and one death.