Severe thunderstorms with large hailstones are forecast for eastern parts of the Netherlands on Wednesday afternoon, ending what is now officially the first heatwave in three years.
NOS meteorologist Peter Kuipers Munneke said the storms could develop suddenly between 2 pm and 4 pm in the far east, bringing wind gusts and hailstones as large as four centimetres in diameter.
Code amber storm apply to Limburg, Gelderland and Overijssel, particularly affecting Limburg, the Achterhoek and Twente.
The thunderstorms may move towards eastern Drenthe and Groningen later in the day, but this remains uncertain. Kuipers Munneke warned that the storms could arise rapidly and catch people by surprise.
Elsewhere in the country, showers with thunder could also develop late this afternoon and evening, but these are not expected to bring strong winds or large hailstones.
The KNMI confirmed at 11.20 that an official heatwave is underway, after temperatures at its De Bilt weather station reached 30° for the third time in five days.
The current heatwave began last Saturday, with daily temperatures above 25° and peaking at 35.5° on Tuesday. It is the first official national heatwave since August 2022.
The extreme heat will ease tomorrow, with De Bilt forecast to reach just 23°. The longest heatwave on record in the Netherlands lasted 18 days in 1975.
The KNMI stressed that the combination of high temperatures and severe storms could disrupt traffic, outdoor activities and events. There is also a risk of fire and damage due to lightning strikes.
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