The Netherlands recorded its first official tropical day of the year on Thursday as temperatures soared to 31.8° at the De Bilt weather station near Utrecht, setting a new all-time high for 13 June since records began in 1901.

The previous record for the date was 31.5°, set in 1964. Elsewhere in the country, it was even hotter: temperatures reached 33.5° in Gilze-Rijen and 32.8° in Eindhoven. The national record for 13 June, 34°, was measured in Volkel in 1964.

It is also the hottest day of 2025 so far and marks the sixth date-specific heat record of the year. In De Bilt, 17.9° was recorded on 21 February — the earliest in the year it has ever been so warm. Further records were set or equalled on 6, 7, 8 and 21 March.

Storms to break heatwave

The intense heat is expected to be driven out by storms moving in from the southwest later on Friday evening and overnight. These will travel northward across the western half of the country and may be accompanied by hail, strong gusts and heavy rain in a short period.

Elsewhere, it will remain dry with increasing cloud cover. Overnight temperatures will fall to between 16° and 19°, with large cities remaining warmer at around 20°.

On Saturday, the sun will return and temperatures will again rise quickly. Inland areas will see 28° to 32°, with the highest temperatures along the eastern border. Coastal regions will be slightly cooler, ranging from 23° in Zeeland to around 27° further north.

In the afternoon, localised thunderstorms will develop, again with the risk of hail and heavy rain. A westerly wind will then bring gradually cooler air from the coast.

From Sunday onwards, it will remain dry with only small chances of rain. Temperatures will range from 21° in the west to 26° in the southeast.