The Netherlands might record its second official heatwave of the year next week, with forecasters saying the mercury could climb to 35 degrees (or higher!) by Thursday.
If you’ve just got over the last heatwave, we’ve got some bad news: in addition to the regional heatwave currently plaguing the southeast, an official, nationwide heatwave is looming on the horizon.
Set to roll in by next Thursday, this hot spell could bring temperatures of 35 degrees or higher, reports KNMI.
Temperatures start rising this weekend
Weeronline expects inland temperatures of 30 to 32 degrees on Sunday, and Buienradar warns that we should expect a “very summery weekend”.
The heat eases a little on Monday and Tuesday, hovering around 27 degrees. But don’t celebrate just yet, because there’s another bout of tropical weather coming.
By Wednesday, Weeronline reckons there’s a good chance of temperatures above 30 degrees, and Buienradar says highs of 35 degrees or more are “conceivable” on Thursday.
Why isn’t it an “official” heatwave?
You can blame this on a charming slice of Dutch pedantry. Whether a hot spell is “regional” or “official” depends entirely on where the temperature is measured.
For the KNMI to declare a national (AKA “official”) heatwave, the town of De Bilt needs temperatures of 25 degrees or warmer for five consecutive days, with at least three of those hitting 30 degrees.
The first official heatwave of 2026 hit us in June and lasted roughly twelve days. If next week delivers, forecasters say it could be the country’s fifth regional heatwave and its second national one.
There’s no national heat plan in effect (yet)
The RIVM’s Nationaal Hitteplan (National Heat Plan), its way of alerting carers and healthcare staff during hot weather, was switched off this Wednesday, August 5.
It had been running in Limburg, North Brabant, Gelderland and Overijssel since July 29, then nationwide from August 3.
If next week heats up as forecast, don’t be surprised to see the plan return. Expect the usual advice to drink plenty, keep rooms shaded, and skip strenuous activity in the afternoon — or, at the very least, avoid being out and about during the hottest time of day.
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