Code yellow across the Netherlands as heat hits 30-33°C; thunderstorms expected later
Tropical temperatures of 30 to 33 degrees Celsius are blanketing nearly all of the Netherlands on Tuesday, Weeronline reports. KNMI has issued a code yellow for heat across the country. Abundant sunshine, however, is expected to give way to intense thunderstorms by late afternoon and evening before a cooler stretch of summer weather begins.
Early Tuesday, a few showers moved across the northeast and quickly left the country. Widespread cloud cover dominated at first, but sunshine then broke through from the west across more areas. Temperatures climbed above 20 degrees Celsius everywhere relatively quickly. In northern Limburg, readings stayed above 20 degrees throughout the night. A weak to moderate wind is blowing from the south.
By afternoon, the sun is expected to shine fully in most locations. Conditions will turn scorching, with highs mostly between 30 and 33 degrees under a moderate southwest wind. Heat stress will reach high levels, prompting a yellow weather warning. Officials advise people to take it easy during the hottest part of the day, seek cooler spots and check on vulnerable individuals.
Clouds will increase from the south during the afternoon. By the end of the afternoon, thunderstorms are forecast to move across the southwest, bringing possible heavy downpours and stronger winds.
In the evening, the thunderstorms will track northeast across the rest of the country. The most intense storms carry a risk of heavy wind gusts. Some places are expected to remain dry, and regional differences will prove large. Residents are urged to bring in outdoor cushions and monitor radar if outside.
Overnight into Wednesday, the northeast will still deal with thunderstorms before conditions turn dry everywhere. Skies will clear widely from the south, though temperatures are not expected to drop much. Many locations will experience a tropical night with lows of 20 to 22 degrees. Only the northeast is likely to cool by a few degrees. A moderate southwest wind will continue.
A photo accompanying the forecast shows people seeking shade by the water. The image is credited to Hanny Aalten of the Achterhoek region.
On Wednesday morning, skies will be partly cloudy. Temperatures will reach 21 to 24 degrees by midmorning under a strong southwest wind of force 3 or 4 inland and force 5 or 6 along the coast.
In the afternoon, the sun will break through regularly as cumulus clouds form. An isolated shower is possible mainly in the southeast. Most places will stay dry, with highs between 23 and 27 degrees—considerably cooler than the previous two days. The moderate to fairly strong west wind will make it feel even less warm.
By evening, the wind will ease and skies will clear widely. Temperatures will fall to 15 to 19 degrees, offering a good opportunity to ventilate homes after the recent heat.
Looking ahead, Thursday will be dry and sunny in most areas. A rain zone will move across the northern provinces from the northwest during the afternoon. Highs will range from 20 to 24 degrees under a moderate to fairly strong west wind, creating pleasant conditions for outdoor activities such as walking.
Friday will bring quiet summer weather. Clouds and sunshine will alternate, with temperatures between 21 and 24 degrees. A slight chance of a shower exists, though dry periods will predominate. A moderate northwest wind is forecast.