Heat waves across Europe will see the Netherlands hit soaring temperatures of more than 37 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, the 19th of July. A National Heat Plan aimed toward protecting vulnerable groups comes into effect as of today, the 18th of July, reports the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).
“The weather is still nice, but in the coming days it may become too hot for many people,” says RTV Noord weather forecaster Harma Boer. She notes that Tuesday, in specific, is set to become especially sweltering.
As a result of the extreme heat, the RIVM has also issued a warning for smog which may affect individuals with respiratory conditions.
The National Heat Plan itself was formed by the RIVM under consultation with the Dutch Meteorological Institute (KNMI), who cited that the extreme conditions from the 18th to the 20th could pose a threat to the wellbeing of vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and people with respiratory conditions. As such, a Code Yellow warning has been issued across the country as of the 18th, which could later become a more severe Code Orange warning.
The Heat Plan aims to inform members of vulnerable groups around the country in time to prepare measures against the extreme temperatures.
For example, individuals are advised to minimalize physical exertion, remain hydrated, and stay within cool or shady areas. The NL Times reports that elderly people, who are not able to easily regulate their body temperatures, are especially at risk of dehydration.
According to RTV Noord, the National Heat Plan is planned to come to an end on Wednesday evening, due to a prediction of cool winds and thunderstorms, which should see temperatures drop significantly.
You can read more about the heat wave and view a map displaying daily temperatures across the Netherlands on the KNMI’s official website.
