Dutch swimmers warned to watch out for blue-green algea

Waterboards across the Netherlands warn swimmers to keep a careful eye out for blue-green algae during the hot days. The algae can cause serious skin and eye irritations for those who come into contact with it, the Telegraaf reports.

Blue-green algae already emerged on five beaches in the Flevopolder, for example.

Extremely hot weather is expected in the Netherlands this week, with temperatures up to 37 degrees on Thursday and Friday. Public health institution RIVM implemented the national heat plan. The Red Cross called on Dutch to keep an eye on their elderly family members and neighbors during the hot days. And union FNV warned construction workers to take more frequent breaks and make sure they stay hydrated.

No rain or very little rain is expected for the rest of this week, and it is therefore expected that the Netherlands' drought record of 1976 will be broken within the coming days.