Cooler air is moving into the Netherlands this week with a mix of sun and showers, just as the traditional dog days begin.
The dog days run from July 20 to August 20 and have long been viewed as the warmest stretch of the year, taking their name from Sirius, the Dog Star.
High humidity usually makes the period feel muggy, but that pattern will not hold in the coming days.
According to Weeronline, a northwest wind is drawing in fresher air that keeps conditions more comfortable.
Monday and Tuesday
Highs on Monday will reach about 20 degrees Celsius in the west, including Amsterdam, and around 22 degrees farther east.
The day stays mostly dry with a blend of sun and clouds, though a local shower remains possible in the east.
Tuesday continues dry under similar sun-and-cloud skies.
Temperatures climb a little to between 21 and 24 degrees with a moderate north wind.
Showers midweek
Showers spread across much of the country on Wednesday.
The northwest flow brings the heaviest rain to the northeast, while many other areas also see precipitation.
Winds strengthen to moderate or fresh and can blow strongly along the coast and around the IJsselmeer.
Highs that day reach only 18 or 19 degrees in the north and about 21 degrees in the southeast.
Later in the week
Sunshine returns more widely from Thursday afternoon after a few morning showers, with highs between 19 and 22 degrees.
Temperatures rise again on Friday, ranging from 20 to locally 25 degrees.
Saturday looks set for more widespread summer warmth.
The chance of showers gradually increases from Sunday, yet the weather stays pleasantly summery with most areas seeing highs between 21 and 25 degrees.
