The south and southeast of the country could see temperatures climb past 30 degrees Celsius from Wednesday, with possible highs of 35 degrees by Thursday.
With provisional heat warnings for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday next week, KNMI flags a “transition to sunny and warm summer weather.”
But before we buckle down under any heat warnings, we still need to get through the weekend, which is forecast to be a bit of a mixed bag.
Expect rain, clouds, and humidity
Saturday will be pleasant, with bright sun in the morning and varying periods of sunshine and cloud cover by afternoon. Temperature-wise, maximums run from 21 degrees Celsius on the Wadden Islands up to 28 in the southeast.
Sunday, on the other hand, will bring some real Dutch weather. Expect heavy cloud, rain, and highs of roughly 23 degrees, with an 80% chance of precipitation.
The chance of precipitation will drop to 30% by Monday, with slightly more sunshine. Temperatures will hover around a maximum of 23 degrees.
By midweek, the mercury starts rising
Tuesday marks the turning point, when the country shifts towards sunny, warm summer weather with maximums around 27 degrees.
Wednesday is forecast to get even hotter, with highs between 28 and 31 degrees, depending on where you are.
However, come Thursday, we’ll really feel the sizzle. KNMI puts the odds of passing 30 degrees in the southeastern half of the country at 60%, and the south could reach anywhere from 32 to 35 degrees.
Which parts of the country get the worst of the heat?
Limburg, eastern Brabant, and the southeast will likely hit the top of the forecasted temperature range, while the coast and the Wadden Islands stay cooler thanks to sea breezes.
If you’re in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or The Hague, you’ll likely land somewhere in the middle. You’ll still be warm, but don’t expect Maastricht-level heat.
And if you thought we’d waved “doei” to sweaty summer nights, you’re sadly mistaken. Forecasted minimums hit 14 degrees on Tuesday, rising to 17 and 18 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.
Will there be an official heat warning?
Fortunately, KNMI currently lists no active warnings, and the markers on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are labelled as “possible heat” rather than confirmation of any upcoming heatwaves.
When temperatures push above 27 degrees for several days at a time, KNMI and the RIVM (the national public health institute) can activate the Nationaal Hitteplan (National Heat Plan). This heat plan prompts extra checks on elderly and vulnerable residents, in addition to free “cooling spots”.
Thanks to record-breaking regional temperature spikes, it’s been switched on more than once already this summer — but it’s unclear whether we can expect sustained heat this time around.
Will you be enjoying the upcoming tropical spell, or do you prefer it when the mercury’s much lower? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
