This spring will be one of the five warmest since records began in the Netherlands in 1901, weather forecasters say.
This temperature has averaged 11°, over a full degree higher than the long-term average of 9.9°, according to calculations by meteorological office KNMI. March, April and May have all been warmer than average, the KNMI said.
Earlier this week UN climate chief Simon Steill warned that the early heatwave in Europe and record temperatures in France and Britain are a “brutal reminder of the spiraling impacts of the climate crisis, both human and economic”.
“The main culprit is the world’s addiction to burning coal, oil and gas, and destroying forests,” he said. “But the solution is clear: more clean energy and climate resilience.”
April 8 marked the first day with temperatures over 20° at the De Bilt weather station near Utrecht, where weather records are set. The warmest temperature recorded so far this year was 32.5° in Ell, Limburg.
There has also been far more sunshine than the average 567 hours in spring with a total of 730 hours. There was also just 105 millimetres of rain, compared with 148 millimetres in the average spring.
A change ahead
Rain is expected on Friday evening and next week, however. The KNMI has issued a code yellow storm warning for the six eastern provinces on Friday evening, saying strong winds and heavy rain can be expected.
The weekend will be a little cooler, with temperatures in the mid-20s and possible light showers on Sunday. Next week, however, rain is likely most days and the temperature will drop to the late teens and low 20s, the KNMI said.
