Rain returns this week but drought is far from over

Rain is forecast across the Netherlands for most of this week, ending a long dry spell – but forecasters say it will do little to undo the drought that has left rivers at record lows. Rain will fall overnight into Tuesday and continue on Wednesday.

The fifth regional heatwave of the year has now ended, which matched a record set in 1947, with temperatures falling back to 19 to 22°.

From Thursday, showers are expected daily, some heavy and accompanied by thunder.

Little relief
The rain will ease the drought but not resolve it, forecasters said. The ground has baked so hard that water from brief showers barely sinks in, broadcaster NOS reported.

The Netherlands remains at level two of a three-stage scale – an official water shortage, but not yet a crisis. The Rhine has been running lower than at any point since 1947, leaving cargo barges part-loaded and forcing ferries and river cruises to be cancelled.

Transport ministry water experts have said the period of low river flows could last into December.