Summer 2026 Shatters Heat Records: Dutch Wetland Dries Up for First Time in 700 Years

If you've been sweltering through this summer in the Netherlands, you're not alone — the numbers are in, and they're historic. The summer of 2026 is officially the hottest since records began in 1901, with an average temperature of 19.3°C at the KNMI weather station in De Bilt, breaking the previous record of 18.9°C set in 2018 (NOS).

But the heat is only part of the story. The extreme drought that has accompanied it has pushed ecosystems past breaking points — most dramatically at the Zeezuiper wetland in Noord-Brabant, which has dried up completely for the first time in 700 years. Forest ranger Erik de Jonge, who returned from holiday to find the reserve transformed into a barren scrubland, told local broadcaster Omroep Brabant: “This hasn’t happened since 1300.” Hundreds of dead fish littered the remaining puddles, and deer were seen wandering the parched landscape (DutchNews.nl).

What this means for internationals

The drought isn't just a nature documentary — it has real consequences for everyone living in the Netherlands, including expats and residents on permits. Water boards (waterschappen) may impose restrictions on hose use or car washing in coming weeks. The KNMI has already issued its first-ever code red heat warning in June, and the dry conditions have pushed river levels to record lows. While a week of rain provided some relief, the KNMI warns that groundwater and river levels will take months to recover (NL Times).

For those with gardens, the advice is to water plants only in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation. Landlords and housing corporations may also face increased demand for air conditioning — though many Dutch apartments still lack it. If you're renting, check whether your contract allows you to install a portable unit.

Ecological domino effect

The Zeezuiper's collapse is a stark warning. Wetlands like this one act as natural carbon sinks — “a swamp captures more CO₂ than a forest,” de Jonge noted — so their drying accelerates climate change. The heathland around the reserve is 60 to 80 percent dried up, and berry bushes that migrating birds rely on have shrivelled. “Usually they can expect a buffet, but the buffet has dried up,” de Jonge said (DutchNews.nl).

Trees are also suffering: birch, beech, and maple are shedding leaves early due to heat stress, giving the landscape an autumnal look in August. The forest ranger warned that the loss of leaf cover will affect local wildlife through the autumn.

The climate trend

KNMI climate expert Peter Siegmund told NOS that the pace of warming matches the agency's highest scenario for 2050. “In the high scenario, this will be an average summer around 2050, in terms of temperature,” he said. Already, such a summer can be expected roughly every five years in the current climate — and that interval is shrinking (NOS).

For internationals who moved here expecting a mild maritime climate, the takeaway is clear: heatwaves and droughts are becoming the new normal. The Dutch government is under pressure to accelerate water retention measures and rethink land use, but policy moves slowly in the polder model. In the meantime, practical preparation — staying hydrated, checking local water restrictions via your gemeente (municipality), and knowing your rights regarding cooling in rental housing — is essential.

The Zeezuiper may recover if rain returns, but de Jonge is cautious: “We’ve seen a lot of droughts here in the last 10 years, but this beats everything.”

What to watch

• Water boards may announce usage restrictions; check your local water board's website.
• The KNMI updates its drought monitor weekly.
• For nature lovers: many nature reserves are closed to prevent fire risk; check Natuurmonumenten before visiting.