Netherlands Sets New Record With 31st Tropical Day of 2026
Netherlands Breaks Tropical Days Record
The Netherlands has recorded more tropical days in a single year than at any point since records began, after the temperature hit 31.5° in Maastricht on Tuesday. It was the 31st day this year on which 30° or more – the threshold for a tropical day – was reached somewhere in the country, beating the record of 30 set in 1947. [3] The national weather service has noted that the 30th tropical day did not arrive until September in 1947, while this year the record fell in mid-August. [3] Forecasters expect the tally to rise further with weeks of potential summer heat still to come. [3]
Link to Climate Change and Seasonal Trends
The national weather service KNMI has linked the growing number of tropical days and back-to-back heatwaves to climate change. [3] This year the record fell in mid-August with weeks of potential summer heat still to come, and forecasters expect the tally to rise further. [3] The comparison to the 1947 record shows the current pace of tropical days arriving earlier in the season than in the previous benchmark year. [3]
Drought Conditions and River Levels
The heat coincides with the second driest summer since measurements began in 1901 – only 1976 was drier – with the Rhine at its lowest in almost 80 years. [3] These conditions have developed alongside the record number of tropical days, creating a combined pattern of elevated temperatures and reduced precipitation across the country. [3]
Public Health Response and Heat Plan
The public health institute RIVM has reactivated its national heat plan for the fourth time across the whole country from Wednesday, urging people to check on the elderly and young children and to keep homes cool. [3] The reactivation addresses the ongoing sequence of heatwaves and the need for protective measures during periods when temperatures reach tropical thresholds. [3]
Forecast for Peak Heat and Cooling
Friday is forecast to be the hottest day, with highs of 33° to 37° and the chance of a fifth regional heatwave of the year, before cooler air moves in at the weekend. [3] The expected peak temperatures come as the country continues to track additional tropical days beyond the newly set record. [3]
Global Severe Weather Context
A Tornado Warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Des Moines for central Crawford County and northwestern Carroll County in west central Iowa until 515 AM CDT, with a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado located 6 miles south of Charter Oak and moving northeast at 55 mph. [1] A Flood Warning covers the City and Borough of Juneau due to flooding caused by a glacier-dammed lake outburst, with Mendenhall Lake gauge levels indicating continued release of water and a forecast crest between 16.1 to 16.6 feet expected Thursday between 11am to 3pm. [2] The Central Weather Administration issued orange heat alerts for Taipei, New Taipei City, and Changhua and Taitung counties where daytime highs could reach 38°C or exceed 36°C for three consecutive days, along with a heavy rain advisory for Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung County and the Hengchun Peninsula and a strong wind advisory for several areas including Green Island and Orchid Island. [4] Sunny and hot weather prevails across Cyprus with a yellow warning for high temperatures valid from 2pm till 4.30pm, where temperatures will peak at 40C inland. [5]
What to watch next: Friday is forecast to bring the hottest day with highs of 33° to 37° and the chance of a fifth regional heatwave before cooler air moves in at the weekend, while the unstable weather pattern in Taiwan is expected to continue through Saturday with frequent localized showers and strong afternoon convection.
