Heat plan activated as maximums climb up to 34ºC

Thursday is set to be a hot one in the Netherlands, with maximums ranging ranging between 25 and 34 degrees, according to Weeronline. Friday will be even hotter, with some places even seeing thermometers climb to 38 degrees. Public health institute RIVM activated its National Heat Plan on Thursday, calling on Netherlands residents to keep a closer eye than usual on the vulnerable people in society.

The RIVM called on everyone in the Netherlands to make sure they stay hydrated, stay in the shade, wear sunscreen, and to avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day. And keep a close eye on the vulnerable people around you - like elderly people, babies, chronically ill people, overweight people, people in nursing homes, homeless people and people in social isolation.

The Red Cross also called on Netherlands residents to be alert to each other during this heatwave. A study by Hein Daanen of the Vrije Universiteit showed that emergency rooms in the Netherlands are significantly busier during heatwaves. He compared the emergency room figures of two academic hospitals with data from the KNMI. "This confirmed how important it is to look well after yourself and others in the heat," Daanen said.

People still underestimate the angers of heat waves, the Red Cross said. Figures from the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters showed that over 2,500 people died in Europe during the heatwave last summer - making it the biggest natural disaster of 2019, the aid organization said.

It is not only people who struggle with the high heat. Also remember to make sure that your pets have enough water to drink and somewhere cool and shady to shelter. Do not walk your dogs during the heat of the day, as they can burn their feet on hot asphalt. Find some tips here on how to make sure your pets stay cool and hydrated.