The spring of 2025 is shaping up to be an extraordinary season of sunshine and warmth across the Netherlands, with today, May 1, set to record temperatures exceeding 25 degrees Celsius. This year, the country is experiencing its sunniest spring since records began, with the sun shining for more than 13 hours a day, making it a perfect time for residents to enjoy the outdoors.
On this Thursday, maxima are expected to reach 23 degrees Celsius at the coast and up to 27 degrees Celsius inland. Just yesterday, April 30, temperatures at Rotterdam Airport hovered just below the threshold for an official summer day, recording 24.8 degrees Celsius. For those planning a trip to the beach, it’s important to note that the sea temperature remains relatively cool at around 12 degrees Celsius.
The record for the warmest May 1st ever measured at Rotterdam Airport was set back in 2005, with a high of 28.4 degrees Celsius. In stark contrast, on May 1, 1979, temperatures failed to rise above 7.6 degrees Celsius, illustrating the unpredictable nature of spring weather.
However, this sunny spell is expected to be short-lived. A cold front is approaching from the northwest, with forecasts predicting a significant drop in temperatures this weekend. By Sunday, May 4, and on Liberation Day, May 5, maximum temperatures are expected to plummet to just 12 to 14 degrees Celsius, which is considerably lower than the seasonal average of around 16 degrees Celsius for early May. Additionally, the number of sunshine hours will likely decrease, although the forecast indicates that it will remain mostly dry.
This spring has been particularly remarkable in terms of sunshine. As of now, Rotterdam Airport has recorded an impressive 516.6 hours of sunshine, while Hoek van Holland has even surpassed that with 527.6 hours. With a month still to go before the official end of spring, this season is on track to become the sunniest on record.
The trend of sunny weather is not an isolated incident. In fact, seven of the ten sunniest Aprils since the beginning of measurements in 1901 have occurred in the last twenty years. April 2007 holds the record with an average of 9.5 hours of sunshine per day. Last month, April 2025, the average temperature was 11.4 degrees Celsius, significantly higher than the long-term average of 9.8 degrees Celsius. Notably, April 30 saw 13.8 hours of sunshine, marking it as the first official summer day of the year when temperatures in De Bilt surpassed 25 degrees Celsius.
However, this sunny weather comes with its challenges. The rainfall during April 2025 was highly unevenly distributed across the Netherlands. While some regions, particularly the southeast and areas around the Veluwe, experienced relatively high precipitation, the western coastal areas faced exceptionally dry conditions. March had already been recorded as the driest March since measurements began, and February also saw minimal rainfall. As a result, the precipitation deficit tracked by the KNMI (Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute) has risen to 45 millimeters over the past month, which is higher than in most years.
Such dry conditions, combined with sunny weather, raise concerns about the risk of forest fires. The KNMI issued warnings earlier this week about the potential for wildfires, particularly after an exercise grenade from the military ignited one of the largest heath fires in recent years on the Eder Heide at the beginning of April.
As the sunny weather continues to draw people outdoors, it’s essential for residents to remain vigilant about the potential hazards associated with dry conditions. The combination of high temperatures and a lack of rainfall can create an environment conducive to wildfires, making it crucial for the community to follow safety guidelines and be aware of their surroundings.
As this remarkable spring unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of weather patterns and the importance of staying informed. Whether planning a beach day or simply enjoying the sunshine in the park, people are encouraged to soak up the rays while they can, as the forecast indicates a shift in weather that could bring cooler temperatures and fewer sunny days in the near future.
In conclusion, the spring of 2025 is proving to be a season of extremes, with record-breaking sunshine and warmth juxtaposed against the looming threat of cold fronts and dry conditions. As the Netherlands basks in the sun, residents are reminded to appreciate the beauty of the season while remaining cautious of the environmental implications that come with it.
