Netherlands swelters under summer heat Monday as late-May temperatures surge

The Netherlands is experiencing full summer conditions Monday, with bright sunshine pushing temperatures to between 26 and 29 degrees across much of the country under dry, mostly cloudless skies.

By midday Monday, conditions were already firmly warm after a fast temperature rise through the morning, when little wind and clear skies allowed values to quickly climb past 20 degrees in many areas.

Temperatures are expected to peak Monday afternoon at around 26 degrees along the coast and up to 29 degrees inland, with isolated spots potentially reaching 30 degrees. Forecasters warned of strong sun intensity, with a UV index of 6, meaning unprotected skin can burn within 15 minutes.

The warmth is expected to continue into the evening, with temperatures staying above 20 degrees until sunset at 9:42 p.m. Overnight, it will remain dry and clear, cooling to between 12 and 15 degrees, though cities may stay warmer.

Tuesday is forecast to bring even more extreme heat for the time of year, with tropical conditions expected on a wide scale. Temperatures are projected to reach around 30 degrees in coastal areas and locally up to 32 degrees in the south, potentially making it the warmest May 26 on record.

High humidity and light winds are expected to make conditions feel especially muggy on Tuesday, with a wind shift to the north later in the day bringing gradual cooling to the northern part of the country while heat lingers longer in the south.