Unprecedented February Heatwave Sweeps Netherlands

This month marks a historic milestone as it is officially recognized as the warmest February ever recorded in the Netherlands. According to weather service Weeronline, the average temperature in De Bilt is projected to range between 8.1 and 8.3 degrees, surpassing the previous record set in 1990 with an average of 7.6 degrees. Typically, February temperatures average around 4.2 degrees.

The exceptional warmth can be attributed to a prevailing southwest wind that ushered in remarkably mild air throughout the month, resulting in unusually mild nights. From February 1 to 20, nighttime temperatures were approximately 6 degrees above normal, with only February 7 and 8 experiencing a fleeting frost of -0.2 degrees.

Moreover, this February witnessed a record-breaking 17 days with maximum temperatures exceeding 10 degrees, surpassing the previous record of 16 days set in 1990 and 2019, as reported by Weeronline.

Notably, this month also stands out as one of the wettest Februarys on record since tracking began in 1906, receiving an average of 110-120 mm of rainfall. Although not surpassing the national record set in February 2020 with 144 mm, this February's rainfall is substantial. Additionally, it was characterized by a considerable lack of sunshine, with only 50-60 hours recorded compared to the typical 96 hours.