More heat warnings issued as official temperatures top 30 degrees Celsius

Temperatures exceeded 30 degrees celsius at the weather measuring station in De Bilt on Friday. This makes it the first tropical day of the year. The warm weather has led to heat warnings being issued by Rijkswaterstaat and Red Cross Netherlands.

The highest temperature in the country thus far was measured in Gilze-Rijen. Temperatures rose to 31 degrees celsius at the location. Eindhoven and Maastricht also recorded tropical weather temperatures.

Rijkswaterstaat activated a heat protocol on Friday. The service has stated that the high temperatures, which will rise to over 30 degrees Celsius in some parts, have an effect on drivers. This protocol will help to provide support to stranded drivers as quickly as possible. The heat protocol will also be in effect for several provinces on Saturday, a spokesperson for Rijkswaterstaat said.

According to this protocol, a recovery vehicle is immediately dispatched to every accident or breakdown. This is to prevent people from having to stand in the heat for too long.

Maximum temperatures of between 28 and 32 degrees celsius are expected on Saturday. Especially the eastern part of the country will experience warm weather. The coastal areas will have temperatures of around 25 to 27 degrees celsius, and it will remain cooler in Zeeland with temperatures rising to around 23 degrees celsius.

The heat protocol is being used in the provinces of Limburg, Noord-Brabant, Zuid-Holland, Noord-Holland, Utrecht, Gelderland, Overijssel, and Flevoland. The heat protocol will come into effect in the provinces of Groningen, Drenthe, Overijssel, Gelderland, Noord-Brabant, and Limburg. The protocol applies from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. “These are the times that it is the busiest on the road and the warmest,” the spokesperson said.

Rijkswaterstaat is advising people to bring enough water for their trip in the car. “The asphalt temperature can rise above 50 degrees on tropical days. If you find yourself with car issues by the side of the road, then a few bottles of water can come in handy.” Another piece of advice for drivers is to take an umbrella with them in case they have to wait by the road in the sun.

The Netherlands Red Cross wants municipalities to start working on local heat plans. A National Heat Plan to help organizations protect vulnerable people during hot weather is already in existence. However, the Red Cross thinks that a local heat plan could help provide support to more people.

According to the Red Cross, a total of 90 out of the 342 municipalities currently have a local heat plan. Recently, the RIVM reported in an evaluation of the National Heat Plan that the number of people who died as a result of hot weather has dropped since 2010. Despite this, the institute remains concerned about the danger of extremely hot days in the Netherlands.

The Red Cross has said that the municipalities now have a more detailed view of where physically vulnerable people are living and can, therefore, provide extra support to these people.

Hot weather is a possible danger for elderly people, young children, people with a handicap, and pregnant women, the organization explained. People who work outdoors or homeless people are also at risk of heat-related issues.

The Red Cross also warned sporters to be careful during the current hot weather. This warning was especially relevant to runners. The organization will be present with around 600 workers at 58 sporting events, like such as cycling races, hiking tours and sports tournaments. Cycling first aiders will also be deployed, who can cool overheated participants with wet (ice) towels.