Hot day ahead for Netherlands; heat plan in force

Monday will be hot in the Netherlands, with maximum temperatures ranging from 28 degrees on the coast to 33 degrees inland. Some places may even see afternoon temperatures climb to 36 degrees. Public health institute RIVM implemented the 'Heat Plan' in a number of provinces, RTL Nieuws reports.

Sunday night was a so-called tropical night, with minimums not falling below 20 degrees. Monday will get hot quickly. Thermometers in the southeast of the country can reach 30 degrees before noon. Monday night is also expected to be a tropical night.

Due to the persistent heat, the RIVM implemented the heat plan in Drenthe, Overijssel, Gelderland, Utrecht, Flevoland, Noord-Brabant and Limburg. Keep a close eye on vulnerable people during the heat of the day, the public health institute calls. "Especially for groups of vulnerable people, such as the elderly, babies, the chronically ill, overweight people, people in care homes and people in social isolation, the heat can lead to health risks. These people must be alert to dehydration and overheating. Also babies and very young children need extra attention to stay cool and drink enough", the RIVM said, according to RTL.

Make sure you stay hydrated - drink enough, even if you're not thirsty, the RIVM advises. Stay cool and in the shade as much as possible. Avoid strenuous exercise, especially between noon and 4:00 p.m. Keep your home cool by closing the shutters and turning on fans or air conditioning. Don't open your windows wide, but keep them ajar for ventilation. When it cools down in the evening, you can open your windows wide. And remember to pay extra attention to people around you who may need help, the RIVM says.

The Rescue Brigade calls on Dutch not to swim in dangerous places, such as close to bridges and locks. Swimming in rivers is also not advised. Only go swimming in places where it is allowed. "This mainly concerns the beaches and recreational pools", a spokesperson said to the broadcaster. "These are also places where our volunteers are supervising." According to the spokesperson, the temperature of the seawater is now at around 15 or 16 degrees. "That is just about the temperature at which you can enter the water. Though it is still a bit cold."