The year 2023 will already go down as the wettest year ever measured in the Netherlands. This is what the ANP reports. The annual sum is expected to be according to the weather bureau Weatheronline this year from around 1150 millimeters. This is 41 millimeters more than the record in 1998.
Since measurements began in 1906, it is only the fourth time that the limit of 1000 millimeters of precipitation has been passed. Earlier this century this was also the case in 2001 with 1002 millimeters. The year 1966 completes the list with a total rainfall of 1005 millimeters. On average, 853 millimeters of rain falls over an entire year.
2023 wettest year ever
How did 2023 become the wettest year on record? Last year had eight wet months and four relatively dry months, reports Weeronline. Only in February, May, June and September there was less precipitation than normal on average. In De Bilt, a record-breaking series of 39 days without rain was even recorded. In addition, a significant precipitation deficit arose, which only stabilized at the end of June and decreased again later in the summer.
Winter precipitation was mainly recorded in January and March, with some (wet) snow later in the year in November and December. The most snow fell on January 20 in the Limburg hills, where a pack of 14 centimeters fell from the sky. That day, code orange was in force there, also in the provinces of Utrecht, Gelderland and North Brabant.
Fortunately, we have been treated to a beautiful year with a lot of wind in terms of kitesurfing and wing foiling. Especially if you take the occasional mood for granted.