The water shortage in the Netherlands is abnormal because it is so early in the year, the KNMI weather bureau said on Wednesday.

In a normal spring, which lasts until June 21, there is an average 170mm of rain. So far this year, there has been 32 mm.
In addition, with the exception of a few local showers, no change is expected for the next 10 days at least, the KNMI said.
Large parts of the country currently have a code red fire warning in place because of the drought. And in the dune area north west of Amsterdam fire officers and the army are still involved in putting out a fire which has destroyed 200 hectares of heath.