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Rare July frost recorded in Twente, first since 1971
🇳🇱 Netherlands /Environment & Climate

Rare July frost recorded in Twente, first since 1971

From NRC Handelsblad · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Frost was recorded at ground level in Twente for the first time in July since 1971, reaching -0.1 degrees Celsius.
  • This extreme temperature shift occurred less than four weeks after the same weather station recorded a summer high of 23.2 degrees Celsius.
  • The unusual frost followed a heatwave in late June, which led to school closures, train disruptions, and a rise in excess mortality.

Twente experienced a rare ground frost overnight Monday to Tuesday, with temperatures dropping to -0.1 degrees Celsius. This marks the first time since 1971 that frost has been recorded in the Netherlands during the month of July. The temperature was a stark contrast to the 23.2 degrees Celsius recorded at the same weather station less than four weeks prior.

Weather website Weeronline noted that "frost on the ground" has never been measured in "high summer," the period between July 20 and August 21, which is typically the warmest time of year. Meteorologist Jordi Huirne explained that a cool northerly wind, originating from the North Sea, combined with a clear, cloudless night over Twente, caused the exceptionally low temperature.

frost on the ground

— WeeronlineWeather website Weeronline noted that "frost on the ground" has never been measured in "high summer."

This cold snap follows a severe heatwave in late June, when temperatures in the Netherlands approached 40 degrees Celsius. The KNMI weather institute issued a rare Code Red for heat, impacting Twente as well. The extreme heat forced schools to close, disrupted train services, and led to the cancellation of numerous events. In the three weeks following the heatwave, the Netherlands saw higher-than-normal mortality rates, with the RIVM health institute deeming it "very plausible" that the heat contributed to this excess mortality.

very plausible

— RIVMThe RIVM health institute deemed it "very plausible" that the heat contributed to the excess mortality.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by NRC Handelsblad in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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