Temps up to 40 expected in Netherlands today: Code Orange
Today will be sweltering in the Netherlands, with maximums of 38 or 39 degrees expected in the south and center of the country and 32-36 degrees in the north. Meteorological institute KNMI issued a code orange weather warning. The public health institute RIVM also issued a smog alarm.
The code orange warning applies to Overijssel, Gelderland, Utrecht, Zuid-Holland, Zeeland, Noord-Brabant, and Limburg from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Before and after that, a code yellow warning applies until 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, like for the rest of the provinces.
The RIVM issued a smog alarm, warning that the air quality would be very bad in the afternoon and early evening. People with respiratory issues should take extra care. The RIVM also implemented its heat plan, urging Netherlands residents to stay hydrated, not exert themselves, and take extra care of vulnerable people around them.
The day will see clear skies and sunshine, with very little wind to provide some cooling. Afternoon temperatures will range between 31 degrees on the Wadden and 39 degrees in the south, with some places maybe seeing thermometers hit 40 degrees. It will remain hot well into the evening, with evening temperatures ranging between 25 degrees in the north and 35 degrees in the south. Overnight, minimums will drop to no lower than 22 degrees.
Various organizations and companies are taking measures because of the heat. For example, PostNL extended delivery hours for postal deliverers, and meal delivery service Thuisberzorgd urged delivery workers to take more breaks, RTL Nieuws reports. GGD health services in several regions closed coronavirus test- and vaccination centers or extended their opening hours.
Events all over the country have been canceled due to the heat, including the cheese market in Alkmaar and several sporting events. The Nijmegen Vierdaagse will start on Wednesday, instead of today, to miss the worst of the heat.
