Terschelling sets Wadden Islands heat record with 33.6°C; Events canceled in Rotterdam

The temperature on Terschelling hit 33.6 degrees Celsius on Friday, marking the highest temperature ever recorded on one of the Wadden Islands, according to the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI). The heat has forced the cancellation of three music events in Rotterdam this weekend.

Meanwhile, a Code Red warning for extreme heat remains in effect in Limburg, North Brabant, Gelderland, and Overijssel through Saturday evening. Code Yellow is in effect for the Wadden Islands, while Code Orange remains in effect across the rest of the country.

Temperatures on Saturday are expected to rise to between 34 and 38 degrees across much of the country before thunderstorms move in during the evening.

In Rotterdam, the city cited advice from GGD GHOR, the regional public health and emergency medical authority, in canceling the events. Nous'klaer Festival in Delfshaven, Buiten Gewoon Festival in Kralingen, and I Love Urban in Nesselande have all been canceled. The Kuip Run, which was scheduled for Sunday, has also been canceled, Feyenoord said on its website.

The music event Bij Ons In Brabant at Philips Stadium in Eindhoven has been postponed from Friday to Monday. Spoorpark Live in Tilburg has also canceled its Saturday program after previously deciding not to proceed on Friday.

By canceling the three events in Rotterdam, the municipality said it hopes to make things easier for the first responders and the healthcare system. "Emergency services are already under extra pressure due to the extreme heat," it said.

Other events are permitted to proceed under certain conditions. For example, they must primarily take place at a single location, and organizers must take additional measures to protect visitors and staff from the heat. Opening hours must also be adjusted if necessary.

Regarding Terschelling's record, the KNMI said the Wadden Islands are typically much more comfortable than the rest of the Netherlands during periods of extreme heat.

"Tropical days, defined as days with a high temperature of at least 30 degrees Celsius, have occurred on the Wadden Islands about once every two years over the past decade. That is not unprecedented, but it is rare," the KNMI said.

The Netherlands, along with much of Europe, is currently experiencing a heat wave. The Code Red warning for extreme heat remains in effect in Limburg, North Brabant, Gelderland, and Overijssel through Saturday evening, the KNMI said. The weather is expected to change Saturday evening, when a Code Yellow warning for severe thunderstorms and hail will take effect.

Before then, however, the high temperatures and humidity combined are expected to be "causing an unpleasant, oppressive heat," the KNMI said. As a result, everyone is at increased risk of heatstroke, overheating, and dehydration.

The heat intensity is expected to reach levels 9 to 10 on Saturday afternoon. The RIVM's National Heat Plan remains in effect until at least Saturday.