Lightning Storm Batters the Netherlands After Record-Breaking Heatwave

Following the record-breaking heatwave that scorched Europe, the Netherlands witnessed a breathtaking yet terrifying display of nature. On June 28, a powerful thunderstorm accompanied by intense lightning struck Amsterdam and surrounding areas, shaking the country.

🇳🇱 NETHERLANDS: Netherlands experienced an extraordinary thunderstorm outbreak on June 27, recording more than 300,000 lightning strikes in a single day—its highest daily total on record.

Amsterdam endured nearly four hours of continuous lightning and torrential rain, while at…
— Wolverine Update (@W0lverineupdate) June 28, 2026

More Than 300,000 Lightning Strikes in 24 Hours

More than 300,000 lightning strikes were recorded across the Netherlands within just 24 hours, making it one of the largest lightning outbreaks witnessed in Europe in recent years. The skies remained illuminated by continuous lightning and heavy rain for nearly four hours.

At the peak of the storm, around 30,000 lightning strikes were recorded across the Netherlands and northern Germany within just 30 minutes, according to the Dutch meteorological agency KNMI. That translates to an average of 17 lightning strikes every second.

What Triggered the Massive Lightning Outbreak?

While intense lightning storms are common during India’s monsoon season, they are relatively rare in European countries like the Netherlands. However, this unusual weather event was triggered by an extended period of extreme heat.

For the first time in its history, the country had issued a Code Red heat warning. Temperatures in Amsterdam remained above 30°C for more than a week, with some regions recording temperatures close to 40°C.

When a mass of cold air moved into the region, it collided with the hot, moisture-laden air that had built up during the heatwave. This rapid atmospheric clash led to the formation of powerful thunderclouds and an explosive thunderstorm. Authorities later issued a Code Orange weather warning as the storm intensified.

Widespread Damage and Fear

Although the lightning created spectacular scenes across the sky, it also caused significant destruction. Several fires were reported after lightning strikes in Groningen, Utrecht, Amsterdam, and other northern regions.

In Landsmeer, one person was injured after a house caught fire following a lightning strike. In Toornwerd, lightning ignited a barn, killing two calves.

Several areas also experienced hailstones as large as golf balls. Residents described the sky as flashing continuously “like a strobe light” for hours due to the relentless lightning activity.

A Stark Warning on Climate Change

Scientists believe the extraordinary event is another clear indication of the growing impact of climate change. As global temperatures rise, the atmosphere is able to hold more moisture and energy, increasing the likelihood of more intense thunderstorms, heavier rainfall, and other extreme weather events.

Experts also argue that without human-induced global warming, the severe June heatwave across Europe would have been highly unlikely.

The lightning outbreak over the Netherlands serves as a powerful reminder that rising temperatures are not merely about hotter days—they are also driving increasingly dangerous and destructive weather events around the world.