Second national heat wave in NL; smog warning issued

The Netherlands is officially in its second heat wave of the year. At 12:40 p.m. on Tuesday, temperatures hit 30 degrees in De Bilt, meeting the heat wave criteria of five consecutive days with temps above 25 degrees, including three with temps above 30 degrees Celsius, according to Weerplaza.

Two national heat waves in a year is very rare, according to the weather service. This is only the fourth time it's happened in the Netherlands since temperature measurements started in 1901. The other years with two heatwaves were last year, 2006, and 1941.

This heat wave also broke the record for the latest heatwave in a year. The previous record dates from 2001, when there was a heat wave between August 22nd and 26th. This one will last at least until today, August 27th.

Public health institute RIVM released a smog warning, warning of high levels of ozone throughout the Netherlands on Tuesday and especially in the east of the country on Wednesday. The smog will particularly be a problem for people with respiratory diseases, children and the elderly. It can cause coughing, shortness of breath, worsening asthma and irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. Healthy people may also be affected by these symptoms, the RIVM warns.

The health institute advises limiting physical exertion while the smog warning is in place. The smog will be particularly bad in the afternoon and early evening, because that is when the air is most polluted.

Wednesday will be another hot day in the Netherlands, but will also be the day on which the weather turns, according to Weerplaza. Clouds will form during the cause of the day and rain is expected for Wednesday night. Thursday will be cooler with maximums between 20 and 24 degrees expected.