Stormy summer weather expected to bring sunshine and flash floods

Parts of the Netherlands are set to experience tropical conditions this week with temperatures climbing to 30 degrees, but forecasters are warning there is a high risk of thunderstorms, hail and localised flooding.

Some places in Limburg and North Brabant experienced heavy flooding over the weekend. Traffic was brought to a standstill on the A76 near Meerssen and a shed in Wijchen caught fire after being struck by lightning.

Online weather bureau Weeronline said temperatures for Monday and Tuesday would range from 27 degrees on the Wadden islands to 31 in some eastern areas. Thunderstorms are likely to roll in from the south towards Monday evening and could lead to flash floods with up to 80mm of rain.

Tuesday is likely to bring more heavy showers and storms as temperatures remain high, while Wednesday will cool off slightly to around 22 degrees on the coast and 25-28 degrees inland. The end of the week is likely to see a return of the summer temperatures and unsettled weather, but also periods of sunshine.

Nights are also expected to be unusually warm for the time of year, with some urban locations staying above 20 degrees.