Record heat recorded in De Bilt and southern regions
The Netherlands recorded its hottest July 29 in history on Wednesday, with temperatures in De Bilt reaching 31.7 degrees Celsius. Weather service Weeronline confirmed the historic high, which surpassed the previous record of 31.5 degrees set in 1948.
The milestone marks the ninth daily temperature record of the year. Additionally, regional temperatures triggered a official “very hot day” status as mercury levels topped 35 degrees in southern locations. Westdorpe and Gilze-Rijen reached 35.2 degrees Celsius during the afternoon.
A westerly wind will bring cooler air on Thursday, preventing further record-breaking temperatures this week. Eastern border regions may still see highs between 30 and 33 degrees, before nationwide temperatures settle between 22 and 27 degrees starting Friday.
Severe dry spell poses ongoing challenge for farmers
Despite minor forecasted rainfall, dry conditions will persist across the country. Isolated showers expected in the east on Thursday will provide little relief, with prolonged precipitation unlikely before late August. Meteorologists warn that the agricultural sector faces a difficult period ahead.
Resolving the moisture deficit requires weeks of steady, light rainfall. Because the soil is exceptionally dry, heavy downpours result in immediate runoff rather than ground absorption.
The national precipitation deficit currently stands at 250 millimeters and could rise to 270 millimeters. However, experts do not expect the shortage to breach the all-time historic record of over 350 millimeters set in 1976.
@ anp | NEWSBRAINPORT
