On February 21, 2025, the Netherlands experienced its warmest February 21 on record, marking it as the first official spring day of the year. The highs witnessed on this day surpassed previously recorded temperatures, with meteorologists noting some surprisingly balmy readings across the country.
The thermometer hit remarkable levels, signaling the arrival of unexpected spring weather. Reports indicated temperatures of about 19.3 degrees Celsius were recorded in Woensdrecht, with other areas also basking under the sun, like Eindhoven, where the temperature reached 18.8 degrees Celsius. This event had not been documented before, as historically, the maximum temperature observed on this date was 18.5 degrees Celsius, also set back in 2021.
The unusually high temperatures can be attributed to warm air pushing northward from southern regions, as explained by various meteorologists. "Earlier this week, we faced frosty mornings and low temperatures, but today, the weather took a dramatic turn," said Martijn Dorrestein from Buienradar. His comments reflect on the stark change the weather has brought to the country.
Weather stations such as those under the KNMI umbrella and Weeronline facilitated the collection of this data, confirming record-breaking figures. Grieta Spannenburg from Radio M Utrecht noted, "Around 2:30 PM, the temperature peaked at 17.1 degrees Celsius. Until then, it was extraordinary to witness such warmth on February 21st, especially since last year's first spring day occurred even earlier on February 15th."
What makes this year's February 21st notable is not just the high temperatures but also how quickly spring seems to have arrived. Typically, this day would land closer to the average spring onset, which does not usually materialize until March 9th. According to historical data, the average emergence of spring temperatures was noted even later, with past records from 1991 to 2020 showing March 11 as the day to expect such warmth.
Amplifying the excitement, Stefan van der Gijze, a meteorologist from Rijnmond, noted, "The warm record we achieved today was 18.3 degrees at Rotterdam The Hague Airport, well breaking the old record of 16.8 degrees set back in 2021. Illustratively, it stands as the third warmest February day recorded, just behind the remarkable 18.7 degrees reached on February 26, 2019."
Public enthusiasm was evident as sun-seekers took advantage of the sunny weather. Parks filled with people, and outdoor terraces teemed with guests eager to absorb the sudden warmth and sunlight, though some found it odd wearing winter attire amid spring-like conditions, with one person jokingly stating it felt like sweating was not unusual at all.
While the warm weather delighted many, experts proved it to be short-lived. Dorrestein warned against complacency, stating, "Enjoy today and Sunday because following the warmth, we can expect cloudy skies and rain to return. After this brief embracing of spring, we should be ready for colder conditions once again."
Gracing the weather forecast for the weekend, light rain and cooler temperatures are anticipated to take over by Saturday. Yet, locals were encouraged to relish the sun with temperatures expected to hover around 13 to 14 degrees Celsius on Sunday. The joy, nonetheless, appeared fleeting as Monday loomed with predictions of rain showers and plummeting temperatures.
Reflecting on the changes from previous years, 2025’s first official spring day came noticeably earlier. The shift aligns with growing concerns about climate change, compelling scientists and the public alike to ponder if this could signify larger trends altering our seasonal patterns.
The reactions to this exceptional weather were captured on social media, with people sharing images of sunny parks and flourishing flowers, signifying optimism amid the unusual warmth. Experts are urging everyone to enjoy what sunshine they can during this abnormal February, encapsulating it as “a sneak peek of spring.”
With the unusual warmth earlier this week contrasted against the chill of previous days, this year marks a notable point of reference as individuals look to enjoy nature during breaks from the expected winter chill. The narrative of February 21st added another layer to our perception of seasonal change, recently recorded not just to heat individuals but to ignite broader discussions about weather patterns amid climate variability.
What followed, remains to be seen as March approaches, yet one thing is clear: February 21st, 2025, etches its name as the warmest 21st of February on record, paving way for conversations on climate, nature, and the delightful whims of weather unpredictability.