Netherlands Endures Gloomiest Period in 31 Years
Longest stretch of grey skies since 1993 brings seasonal blues, but sunshine is on the way.
The Netherlands has recently experienced its longest stretch without sunshine since 1993, enduring up to 10 sunless days in a row. This gloomy weather, which began on December 9, left many Dutch residents longing for a glimpse of sunlight. According to meteorologists, if the sun remained hidden through Thursday, this streak would surpass the 1993 record, marking 11 consecutive days without sunlight.
De Bilt, the national weather station, recorded no sunshine for eight consecutive days by early this week, making it the longest grey period since the 1993 stretch of February 2 to 11. Weather forecasts predicted mostly overcast skies through Thursday, but brief opportunities for sunlight offered a glimmer of hope. The all-time record of 14 sunless days, set in 1959, remains untouched.
The lack of sunlight has intensified the gloomy atmosphere during the festive season, with many Dutch residents noting the impact on their mood. Seasonal depression has hit harder than usual, with the absence of Vitamin D amplifying the winter blues.
Fortunately, there is good news on the horizon. Sunshine is expected to return on Friday, with intermittent sunny spells breaking up the clouds. The weekend is forecasted to follow a similar pattern, featuring alternating periods of rain, clouds, and sunshine. Temperatures will hover between 7 and 11 degrees Celsius, but strong winds may make it feel colder.