After the thunderstorms and torrential downpours of the past week, the Netherlands could have its first heatwave of the year by the end of the month.

Forecaster Weerplaza said there was a ‘very strong’ chance of temperatures rising above 30 degrees inland from Monday, and they could go as high as 35 in the south-east.

A heatwave is officially declared if the temperature stays above 25 degrees for five consecutive days, including three days over 30. Forecasters expect the 25-degree mark to be reached on Sunday, although cooler conditions are likely to return on Thursday.

Last year’s exceptionally warm summer included two heatwaves, from July 15 to 27 and July 29 to August 7. Only a light shower at the De Bilt weather station on July 28 prevented the two spells from converging into a single long heatwave.

Wilfred Janssen of Weerplaza said a warm weather from was moving up from North Africa, though it was uncertain if it would last long enough to qualify as a heatwave.

‘It’s not guaranteed that it will reach us. It could get stuck over the North Sea or head towards England. But if the pieces fall right and the warm air current ends up over our country, there’s a real chance of temperatures of over 35.