Thunderstorms in the Netherlands are most common in July and August, typically in the afternoon. They develop fast and change conditions sharply. If you're in shorts when one hits, here's what to expect.
Temperature drop during a thunderstorm
Before a thunderstorm, temperatures are often high — 24–28°C or more. When the storm arrives, cold downdrafts from the cumulonimbus cloud can drop the temperature by 5–10°C within 10–15 minutes. After a storm, it might be 18°C where it was 26°C an hour earlier.
That drop combined with rain and wind makes shorts cold quickly, even in summer.
During the storm
The safety question matters more than comfort here. In a thunderstorm, being outdoors with wet legs and bare skin is not the primary concern. Seek shelter. Once you're under cover, 20°C with post-storm wind and wet shorts is just uncomfortable, not dangerous — put something dry over your legs if you have it.
After the storm
Post-storm conditions vary. Sometimes the air clears and warms back up within an hour. Other times cloud cover remains and temperatures stay 5–8°C below the morning high. Check updated forecasts after storms rather than expecting pre-storm warmth to return automatically.
| Storm phase | Conditions | Shorts comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Before (hot spell) | 25–28°C | Ideal |
| During | Heavy rain, wind | Seek shelter regardless |
| Immediately after | 18–22°C, wet | Cold and damp |
| 1–2 hours after | Varies | Depends on sky clearing |
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