Tropical conditions are set to return to parts of the Netherlands next week as warm air moves across the Benelux region.
The warmer spell follows severe heat across Southern Europe, where readings have reached 40 degrees and higher in several areas.
An area of high pressure developing over the northern North Sea and northeastern Europe will combine with low pressure to the west, drawing warm continental air northward from Monday afternoon.
Rising temperatures across the country
Monday will begin with daytime highs ranging from 24 degrees in the north to 29 degrees in the south, with 30 degrees possible in the far southeast.
Tuesday and Wednesday are projected to be the warmest days, bringing widespread readings around 30 degrees and peaks of up to 33 degrees in southern areas.
Coastal areas in the west are expected to stay slightly cooler due to winds coming off the sea, while eastern and southeastern inland areas experience the highest temperatures.
Forecasters note that conditions in the southeast could meet the standard for a regional heatwave, which requires five consecutive days above 25 degrees, including three days at or above 30 degrees.
Thunderstorms and heavy downpours
Atmospheric instability linked to an expanding low-pressure system over England is expected to build starting on Tuesday.
The heaviest showers and thunderstorms are forecast to move across the country on Thursday and Friday, bringing substantial local rainfall.
These storm systems will be reinforced by high sea surface temperatures in the North Sea, where shallow coastal waters have reached 23 to 24 degrees.
Temperatures will decline toward typical late August levels by the weekend as unsettled conditions bring additional rain to close out the month.
