Netherlands Faces Heatwave and Drought as Southern Winds Bring Tropical Temperatures

A prolonged period of warm weather in the Netherlands, with daytime temperatures around 20‑25 °C, has shifted to a severe heatwave forecast. Meteorological models predict southern winds will transport hot air from Africa through Spain and France, potentially raising Dutch temperatures to 34‑40 °C and even higher in some forecasts.

The drought has prompted water restrictions: the Twentekanaal will close to shipping and all water extraction for irrigation is halted. Similar heat-driven conditions have sparked large wildfires in France and Spain, forcing evacuations of up to 63,000 people in southwestern France and 40,000 elsewhere, with more than 10,000 ha burned. Spain has declared a national emergency.

Rain is expected later in the week, but a return to dry, hot conditions is likely after the weekend, keeping the region under heightened heat and fire risk.