The first six months of 2024 were the wettest on record in the Netherlands, with 75% more rain than average.

A total of 570 mm fell over the whole six-month period, smashing the old record of 501 mm, which had stood since 2016. April and May set new monthly records, while January and February also had exceptionally high rainfall.

The prolonged wet spell has been ongoing since last July, with 1270 mm of rain falling in the last 12 months, breaking a record that dated back to 1999, weather bureau Weeronline said.

It was also the second warmest start to a year on record, with an average temperature of 10.5C in De Bilt, the home of the meteorological agency KNMI. Only 2007 was warmer, with an average of 10.9C, compared to a seasonal norm of 8.6C.

June was the only month that was cooler than normal, averaging 15.8C compared to a normal level of 16.4C. An exceptionally mild winter drove the average upwards, with February and March setting new monthly records.

Sparse sunshine

The heavy clouds and cool early summer meant the number of hours of sunshine was well below normal levels at 872, compared to a 30-year average of 940.

This July is set to begin with relatively cool and unsettled conditions, with average temperatures of between 18 and 22C, before warming up to a more seasonal 21 to 24C by the middle of the month.

The wind is expected to shift from the south-west to the south, potentially pushing temperatures up towards 30C. However, there are no signs of extremely hot conditions of 35C or more.