Warning with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius
The Netherlands experienced its first tropical day of the year on Friday, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius at the measuring station in De Bilt, prompting Rijkswaterstaat and the Dutch Red Cross to issue heat warnings.
The highest temperature recorded so far in the Gilze-Rijen area reached 31 degrees Celsius, and the cities of Eindhoven and Maastricht also experienced similar tropical weather.
Rijkswaterstaat activated the heat protocol on Friday due to the impact of high temperatures on drivers. This protocol aims to quickly provide support to drivers whose vehicles break down, and it will also be implemented in several provinces on Saturday. Under the protocol, a rescue vehicle is sent immediately for any breakdown or accident, to prevent people from staying for long periods in the heat. Temperatures are expected to range between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius on Saturday, especially in the eastern parts of the country, while they will range between 25 and 27 degrees in coastal areas, remaining milder in Zeeland at around 23 degrees.
The heat protocol will be implemented in the provinces of Limburg, Noord-Brabant, Zuid-Holland, Noord-Holland, Utrecht, Gelderland, Overijssel, and Flevoland, and it will also apply in Groningen, Drenthe, Overijssel, Gelderland, Noord-Brabant, and Limburg from 10 AM to 8 PM, which are the busiest and hottest times on the roads. Rijkswaterstaat advises drivers to bring enough water while traveling, noting that the asphalt temperature may exceed 50 degrees Celsius. It is also recommended to carry an umbrella in case of waiting in the sun in case of breakdowns.
For its part, the Dutch Red Cross urged municipalities to prepare local plans to cope with the heat, despite a national plan aimed at protecting vulnerable groups during hot weather. Currently, only 90 out of 342 municipalities have a local plan, although the latest assessment from RIVM showed a decline in heat-related deaths since 2010, concerns remain about very hot days. The Red Cross clarified that municipalities now have a clearer view of where physically vulnerable groups live, allowing for additional support to be provided to them. The most at-risk groups include the elderly, young children, people with disabilities, and pregnant women, as well as outdoor workers and the homeless.
The Red Cross has warned athletes, especially runners, about the dangers associated with hot weather, and announced the presence of around 600 volunteers at 58 sporting events, such as cycling races and marathons, equipped with wet and cold towels to cool participants if necessary.