The implementation of the national heat emergency plan has begun
The RIVM announced that the "national heat plan" will be activated across the country starting Monday at 10:00 AM, due to forecasts of a significant rise in temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius in most areas.
The authority urged citizens to pay attention to vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, young children, the homeless, and the sick, as they are more susceptible to the effects of extreme heat. For example, the elderly may suffer from a reduced sense of thirst, so it is advised to place water beside them and keep homes cool by closing curtains and using window shades.
KNMI warned that even healthy individuals can suffer from heat stress, advising to avoid direct sunlight, drink enough water, and not exert themselves between 12:00 and 18:00. It also emphasized not leaving children or pets inside closed cars, even for a few minutes.
Rijkswaterstaat announced that it will implement the "heat protocol" on Monday across most of the country to ensure quick assistance for stranded drivers and to prevent them from being exposed to the sun. The protocol includes sending a tow truck immediately in case of any breakdown. Drivers are advised to take sufficient amounts of water and an umbrella for shade if they have to wait on the road.
According to Weeronline, temperatures are expected to reach 30-32 degrees in the central and southern parts of the country on Monday, and slightly lower on the coast (26-30 degrees). On Tuesday, the heat will rise further to between 30 and 36 degrees, with almost no wind. Wednesday is also expected to be very hot, especially if the rain does not start until late in the day, as temperatures may rise again to 30-35 degrees.
Some areas may witness an official "heat wave," which means recording three consecutive days with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees. However, it is still uncertain whether it will be recorded as an official heat wave, as this depends on the measurements in De Bilt. It is noted that the national heat plan has been activated since Sunday in Noord-Brabant and Limburg, where temperatures have already exceeded 30 degrees. Temperatures are expected to drop after Wednesday to range between 20 and 25 degrees, due to a shift in winds to the northern direction, with a possibility of some rain at night, and nighttime temperatures ranging between 10 and 13 degrees.