Temperatures are expected to soar past 30 degrees in large parts of the country on Monday as the drought shows little signs of easing.

Weather bureau Weeronline said there was a chance of local showers in inland regions, but the rain will have only a marginal impact on the dry conditions. Temperatures will range from 25C in the Wadden Islands to 33C in Limburg, with some local hotspots possibly hitting 35 degrees.

Tuesday is likely to bring cloud cover and more showers to inland areas, as well as cooler temperatures of 23C to 28C. However, the very weak winds mean urban areas in particular will continue to feel hot.

The unbroken sunshine is expected to return towards the end of the week and continue into next week, when temperatures could nudge into the mid-thirties.

Despite the long spell of dry, bright weather the Netherlands has not yet had an official heatwave this year, defined as five consecutive days above 25C including three of more than 30C, as measured at the KNMI’s weather station at De Bilt. The last recorded heatwave was in June 2015.