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KNMI Issues Countrywide Code Yellow for Severe Thunderstorms

Forecasters say warm coastal water beneath cold upper air is creating unstable conditions that can trigger intense short bursts of rain, hail and strong gusts.

Overview

  • The KNMI issued a countrywide code yellow covering the midday to evening period on Monday, expanding an earlier coastal alert to the whole Netherlands.
  • Forecasters warn storms can bring heavy short‑term rain, small hail and wind gusts around 60–70 km/h that can cause aquaplaning and local damage.
  • Typical local rainfall is forecast at 20–30 mm with parts of Noord‑Holland at risk of 50–70 mm within 12–24 hours, raising risks of flooding in low‑lying spots.
  • Models and observations show storms forming over warm coastal waters and moving inland, so coastal provinces and the Wadden Islands face the greatest early risk.
  • Conditions should dry gradually Monday evening with a brief improvement Tuesday–Wednesday before renewed instability later in the week and a higher chance of a wetter autumn due to warm sea temperatures.