A new heat wave is expected to return to the Netherlands later this week, with maximum temperatures forecast to reach 30-32 degrees Celsius in parts of the country through the weekend and into next week. The heat, however, is expected to be less extreme than the latest heat wave that ended last week, when code-red warnings were issued across the country and temperatures climbed to 38 degrees in some places. Weeronline forecasts that the chance of rain will remain low until later next week.

The warm spell will begin Friday, when the south could locally reach 30 degrees under sunny skies. The hottest conditions are expected during the weekend, with temperatures reaching 29 to 31 degrees across much of the inland areas.

The eastern part of Brabant and parts of Limburg could reach 32 degrees. Northern coastal areas and the Wadden area will remain cooler, with highs generally between 20 and 25 degrees because of a cooling breeze from the North Sea.

Saturday will be sunny and dry nationwide, with some low clouds possible early in the northern half of the country. A moderate northeast wind will keep coastal areas cooler, while inland regions become much warmer.

Sunday will bring similar conditions, with plenty of sunshine, dry weather, and large differences between north and south. The north will remain around 20 to 23 degrees, while the center will reach 29 to 30 degrees. The south could again approach 32 degrees.

The warm, sunny weather is expected to continue into next week, with little change in the overall pattern. The northeast wind will remain in place, keeping temperatures between 27 and 32 degrees in the center and south, while the north stays closer to 20 to 25 degrees. The chance of rain will remain small until late next week, when more clouds could bring isolated showers or thunderstorms.

The upcoming hot spell is expected to be more manageable than the previous heat wave because the air will be drier, reducing humidity and making the warmth feel less oppressive.

Overnight temperatures will also remain lower, with lows between 13 and 18 degrees instead of the tropical nights recorded during the latest heat wave.

The renewed warmth comes as the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service says Europe is experiencing its hottest year on record.