South-westerly winds in late winter and early spring are becoming more and more frequent and are affecting the temperature in the Netherlands. In a climate report, the Dutch weather centre, said these winds are causing temperatures to rise.
The winds coincide with the breaking down of the ozone layer above the North Pole and bring warm air with them. The higher temperatures are also affected by other factors such as volcanic eruptions, solar activity and the greenhouse effect.
The report shows that temperatures have been rising in the Netherlands in recent years. The top ten warmest years have all occurred since 1991.
Radio Netherlands 29 May 2003
