Overview
- The RIVM activated the Nationaal Hitteplan, which began Monday after the KNMI issued code yellow and forecast the heat-stress index (hittekracht) to reach levels 7–8.
- Meteorologists reported widespread daytime highs of about 30–35°C on Monday and Tuesday with night minima near or above 20°C, creating ‘plaknachten’ that reduce overnight relief.
- Health authorities said older people and those with chronic conditions face greater risk and advised drinking enough water, keeping rooms cool, and scheduling outdoor activity before 12:00 or after 18:00.
- Local services and infrastructure adapted operations by shortening waste-site hours, cooling vulnerable bridges, altering event times in cities, and water managers began extra freshwater inletting to limit salinity and drought damage.
- Forecasters expect a wind shift from Wednesday that will cool temperatures into the mid-20s and raise the chance of showers and thunderstorms, and officials note this summer has already seen multiple heatwave activations driven by longer-term warming trends.