Temperatures to exceed 30°C this weekend, with smog warning in effect

The astronomical summer will begin this weekend with exceptionally warm temperatures. According to Weeronline, temperatures of over 30 degrees Celsius are expected in large parts of the Netherlands on Saturday. The late sunsets will mean that it will be warm until the late evening hours, and there remains a possibility for a tropical night, in which temperatures fail to fall below 20 degrees.

It will not be tropical weather in the north of the country, with temperatures between 26 and 29 degrees. Due to a light to moderate southeasterly wind, it will also be very warm on the beaches, with temperatures ranging from 27 to 30 degrees. As the day progresses, a light, cooling sea breeze may develop along the coast.

Local temperatures will rise to around 34 or 35 degrees on Sunday. In the west, shifting winds in the afternoon will bring cooler temperatures. In the evening, some rain or thunderstorms are possible.

Festival and beachgoers should be aware of the high UV index this weekend. The sun’s strength will reach level 7, meaning unprotected skin can burn within ten to 20 minutes.

The Red Cross is calling on people to “use their common sense during this tropical festival weekend.” The “urgent appeal” from the organization states: prepare yourself, use your common sense, and listen to what your body is telling you.

Advice includes staying hydrated, applying sunscreen, and wearing appropriate clothing. A cap or hat is also recommended. Additionally, people are warned about the risks of alcohol and drugs in combination with the heat. Those planning to go running should ask themselves whether they are sufficiently trained, because: "Running in full sun can quickly become dangerous."

The air quality in the middle and south of the Netherlands will be poor on Saturday due to smog, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) warned. People who are sensitive to smog are advised to stay indoors and limit their physical movements.

The advice mainly applies to the late afternoon and early evening, when the air is most polluted. This can cause people to cough more or experience shortness of breath. Smog caused by ozone can also irritate the nose, eyes, and throat. Children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions are often more sensitive to it.

Smog caused by the ozone forms when air pollution accumulates during sunny weather with little wind. Pollutants are then converted into the ozone via sunlight.

The European agency Copernicus has observed a rise in ozone levels across Europe this month. “It is unusual to see such high ozone peaks so early in the season,” the agency said on Thursday. The increase is likely due to the heat of the past few weeks.