The Netherlands is currently experiencing its longest period without rain, the longest regional heat wave, and the hottest June ever recorded. However, there is some relief in sight as the extreme summer weather appears to be coming to an end.
Breaking records seems to be a recurring theme in the Netherlands, as the hottest June ever measured is now being broken every other year. This trend started in 2017, continued in 2019, and now in 2021.
This June, the heat record of an average temperature of 18.2 degrees Celsius (over day and night) has been shattered by another 1.3 degrees. The current average, including the forecast for the last four days of the month, stands at 19.5 degrees Celsius.
The summer started off explosively, with the seeds for this extreme weather being sown in early May when a powerful high-pressure area formed over the United Kingdom. This high-pressure area initially brought drought and lots of sun, leading to a rapid rise in temperatures on land and sea.
In the past week, the high-pressure area has shifted somewhat, allowing (thunder) showers to reach the Netherlands from the south. With the start of the new week, the blockade of the European weather pattern is finally over.
Under the influence of climate change, a persistent high-pressure area over the UK may block the Netherlands’ summer weather more frequently. This increases the chances of extreme summer weather with heat, drought, and downpours.
Despite the shift in weather patterns, the soil remains very dry. However, with the disappearance of the high-pressure area, a normal westerly flow is expected to return after a month and a half. This will bring low-pressure areas from the Atlantic Ocean, signaling the end of the extreme summer weather for now.
As the temperature drops to normal values, with maximums of 21 or 22 degrees Celsius, there is some good news. The decrease in evaporation and occasional showers mean that the precipitation deficit is not expected to increase further in the next two weeks. However, the shortage has already grown significantly in a short time, and 2023 is still among the 5 percent driest summers on record.
As the Netherlands experiences these extreme weather conditions, it serves as a reminder of the impact of climate change and the need for sustainable measures to mitigate its effects.
Source: [KNMI](https://www.knmi.nl/over-het-knmi/nieuws/warmste-juni-sinds-het-begin-van-de-metingen)
What does the prolonged duration of the regional heatwave in Limburg suggest about the effects of climate change on weather patterns
Staggering margin. The temperature soared to an average of 20.4 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest June ever recorded in the Netherlands.
Not only did this June break temperature records, but it also marked the longest period without rain in the country’s history. Dutch weather experts stated that no measurable rain fell for 30 consecutive days, surpassing the previous record of 29 rainless days set in 1976. This prolonged dry spell has caused concerns about water shortages and the impact it may have on agriculture and the environment.
Adding to these scorching conditions, the Netherlands has been grappling with the longest regional heatwave. The southern province of Limburg, known for its picturesque landscapes and charming villages, has endured 17 consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 25 degrees Celsius. This staggering heatwave has extended far beyond the usual duration of such events in the region.
However, all hope is not lost. Meteorologists predict that the extreme summer weather is finally coming to an end. The Netherlands can expect some relief from the scorching heat as temperatures are set to drop to more moderate levels in the upcoming days. Rainfall is also forecasted, providing much-needed respite from the dry spell and reducing the risk of water scarcity.
While the end of this intense heatwave is welcomed by many, it is essential to reflect on the larger picture. The frequency and extremity of these weather events indicate the ongoing consequences of climate change. The Netherlands, like many other countries around the world, is witnessing the impact of global warming firsthand. It serves as a reminder of the urgent need for collective action and sustainable practices to combat climate change and protect our planet.
Finally some relief from the scorching heat! Grateful to have the rain back in the Netherlands after enduring an extreme summer heatwave.
Finally, some relief from the scorching summer heat! The return of rain in the Netherlands brings a much-needed respite from the extreme heatwave we’ve been enduring.