According to Weeronline, the normal amount of rainfall expected for a whole year has already fallen across the Netherlands so far this year. If this pattern continues in the next three months, 2024 could be a contender for one of the wettest years on record.

Normal annual rainfall has already fallen in the Netherlands

Since January 1, around 865 millimetres of rain has fallen across the country. Based on the climate average for 1994 to 2023, this is the amount of rain that is typical for a whole year.

After the first six months of 2024 were the wettest ever recorded, it should not come as a surprise that this year has a good chance of exceeding 1.000 millimetres of rain. The wettest year on record is 2023 with 1.151 millimetres and if the coming months receive the normal amount of precipitation expected for this time of year, 2024 could come close to this record at an estimated 1.061 millimetres. However, if a higher level of rainfall than average falls, 2024 could set a new record for the year with the most rain.

Dutch weather getting warmer and more rainy every year

The average amount of annual rainfall has increased in recent years. Between 1991 and 2020, 853 millimetres of rain would be considered normal for a year and now that has increased to 865 millimetres - a 12 millimetre increase annually. 

The weather in the Netherlands isn’t only becoming wetter, but also warmer. So far in 2024, the country has experienced six days with record-high temperatures. High temperatures are also becoming more common than colder weather. According to Weeronline, as global warming continues, more heat records can be expected while cold records will be more scarce.

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