Wednesday was officially the first tropical day of the year, with the temperature tipping 30° at the De Bilt weather station near Utrecht shortly before 5 pm.

Weather records are officially set at the De Bilt station, but the temperature rose above the key 30° earlier in the day in both Eindhoven and Arcen, weather bureau Weeronline said.

The temperature is likely to top 30° inland on Thursday as well, although it will be a little cooler on the coast. On Friday, the temperature will drop to a “normal” 22° and the likelihood of rain will increase slightly.

On average, the Netherlands enjoys five “tropical” days a year but there are huge variations. Last year there were indeed five, but in 2022 nine and in 2021 just one. The heat wave of 1976 still holds the record, with 14 days of 30° plus temperatures.

The KNMI long-range forecast says the weather will remain a mixed bag of sunshine, showers and temperatures in the low 20s well into July.