Netherlands under code orange as record heat intensity levels recorded in Eindhoven

A code orange alert for extreme heat took effect at noon across much of the Netherlands. The warning, issued on Monday, is expected to remain in force until 8 a.m. on Friday.

Code orange is in force across the Netherlands, except in Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe, and the Wadden Islands. In these northern regions, temperatures are expected to be somewhat lower, so code yellow has been issued instead.

Around 12:30 p.m., Eindhoven recorded a heat intensity level of 10, the highest on the scale and a level not previously observed there. The KNMI says such extreme heat intensity is very rare, with some stations never having recorded it at all. Where it does occur, it typically happens only once every five to 15 years.

On Wednesday, heat intensity level 9 was recorded at several locations across the Netherlands, including eastern Noord-Brabant, Flevoland, Zuid-Limburg, Zuid-Holland, and the Amsterdam–Haarlem region.

Heat intensity level 10 has never been recorded in the northern and western Netherlands, while in De Bilt, it has occurred for just four hours since 1991. According to officials, such peak values are typically brief, lasting only a few hours. In Eindhoven, a spokesperson said the heat intensity had risen to level 9 shortly after 12:30 p.m.

Temperatures in central and southern Netherlands are expected to reach 34 to 39 degrees Celsius, with the hottest conditions in the south and major urban areas. The KNMI warns that the mix of heat and humidity will result in hot, stifling conditions. It adds that older people and those with underlying health issues are especially at risk of heat-related complaints.

Rijkswaterstaat has activated its heat protocol nationwide for Wednesday and Thursday, aiming to reduce the time stranded drivers spend waiting in extreme heat on hot road surfaces. Across the Netherlands, the high temperatures are also affecting public life, with some events being modified or cancelled altogether.

Due to the forecast heat, NS is reducing the number of trains on several routes as a precaution against overheating of train systems. The reduced service applies to connections including Rotterdam–Leiden–Schiphol, Arnhem–Utrecht–Schiphol, The Hague Central–Amsterdam, Alkmaar–Sittard, and Rotterdam–Utrecht. The temporary timetable changes will stay in effect through Saturday.

The National Heat Plan is active this week, urging the public to be mindful of the high temperatures and to pay extra attention to vulnerable people, animals, and the natural environment.

The ongoing heat is increasing the risk of wildfires across more safety regions in the Netherlands. By Wednesday afternoon, 14 out of 25 regions were under a phase 2 alert, according to fire service data. This level is issued after prolonged dry conditions in nature. The warning is particularly concentrated in central areas of the country and in Zuid-Limburg.

The Dutch national temperature record stands at 40.7 degrees Celsius, measured on July 25, 2019, in Gilze-Rijen, Noord-Brabant. That summer marked the first time temperatures in the Netherlands surpassed the 40-degree mark.

In Groningen, people can escape the heat at the provincial government building on Sint Jansstraat, where a designated cooling area has been opened on Wednesday. The space will remain available for residents seeking relief in the coming days.

The cooling space will remain open until Friday and is available between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., the province of Groningen announced.