Hottest July 25th ever in NL; 10th heat record this year

Today is officially the hottest July 25th in the Netherlands since temperature measurements started in 1901. At 11:30 a.m. it was 31.8 degrees in De Bilt, breaking the previous record of 31.6 degrees from 2006, Weeronline reports. This is the 10th hottest day record broken so far this year.

The southeast and east of the country is even hotter. The highest temperature measured today, as of 11:35 a.m., was 34.6 degrees in Hupsel. Temperatures will climb further during the course of the day, with maximums between 36 and 38 degrees expected on the west coast, and between 39 and 40 degrees expected in the southeast.

This is the 10th national heat record broken this year. Three hottest day ever records were broken in February, three in June, and three so far in July - hottest July 23rd, 24th and now 25th ever measured. A number of other records were also broken this week, including the highest temperature ever measured in the Netherlands - 39.3 degrees in Eindhoven on Wednesday. Wednesday also saw the highest temperature ever measured in July record broken, first with 36.1 degrees measured in Gilze Rijen and a few hours later in Eindhoven.

With maximums expected to climb to 40 degrees in the southeast today, it is likely that the highest temperature ever measured record will fall again today. The record for highest July 25th will also likely be surpassed again.

"A heat record in itself says nothing about climate change, but the relationship between cold records and heat records says a lot", Weeronline explained. "In this century, there are eight heat records for each cold record."

Meteorological institute KNMI issued a code orange warning for extreme heat for the entire country except the Wadden area, where a code yellow warning is in place. The warning will remain in effect until at least Saturday. "There is persistent heat with little cooling during the nights", the meteorological institute warns. "Pay extra care and attention to vulnerable people in your area. Take measures: stay hydrated. Keep yourself and your home cool. Limit physical exertion. Take water with you when you travel."

Public health institute RIVM implemented the National Heat Plan - a warning for everyone to be aware of the risks posed by persistent heat. It is also a call for people to look after each other, especially vulnerable groups like the elderly, babies and toddlers, people with chronic diseases, overweight people, and people in social isolation. Be alert to overheating, sunstroke and dehydration. Symptoms include fatigue, concentration problems, lightheadedness or dizziness, and headaches.

The large municipalities call on their residents to adhere to the heat plan, with Amsterdam adding the reminder to not leave children and pets in the car.