Rainfall expected in the coming weeks will bring slight relief to drought conditions across the Netherlands. However, Rijkswaterstaat warns in its latest drought monitor that restoring water levels will take months.
River levels and groundwater recovery
Anticipated rain should increase water discharge along the Meuse and Rhine rivers. Water levels in the IJsselmeer and Markermeer are expected to stabilise over the coming week. Rijkswaterstaat notes that restoring water systems, river discharge, and groundwater levels requires substantial, prolonged rainfall in the Netherlands and upstream regions.
The agency cautions that low river levels could persist into December. Restoring groundwater reserves will depend on a wet autumn and winter.
Wildfire risk lowered in select regions
Fire services have reduced the wildfire risk level in 7 of the country’s 25 safety regions, including North Holland, Rotterdam, Dordrecht, and Zeeland. The remaining regions stay at Phase 2, which indicates a heightened risk of wildfires following prolonged dry weather.
@ anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
