First-ever Code Red alert issued for heat in the Netherlands; Up to 40°C tomorrow
The most severe weather alert for excessive heat was issued in the Netherlands for the first time in history on Thursday. The Code Red warning from the national meteorological office, KNMI, will take effect from midnight as Friday begins in all but four of the country's provinces. The Code Red warning was issued as temperatures are expected to reach up to 40 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country, with a heat index at level 10, the maximum on the KNMI's scale.
The KNMI said high temperatures will range from 33 to 38 degrees most everywhere. "The combination of high temperatures and humidity is causing unpleasant, oppressive heat. Everyone can experience health problems as a result, such as dehydration, overheating, and heatstroke," the KNMI noted.
The higher the heat index, the greater potential for problems experienced by people over 75, young children, and people with underlying health conditions. Further, the KNMI said pregnant women, people who handle manual labor, and others exposed to hot conditions will need to find ways to take more rest and breaks from the heat.
The Code Red warning is expected to remain in effect for all of Friday in Noord-Holland, Zuid-Holland, Utrecht, Flevoland, Noord-Brabant, Limburg, Gelderland, and Overijssel. The Code Orange warning will hold in Zeeland, Friesland, Groningen, and Drenthe. A milder Code Yellow warning was in place only for the Wadden Islands.
The health risks in areas where the Code Red is in effect can be life-threatening, and people should only go outside if it is strictly necessary, the KNMI explained. Shade is critically important, as is drinking water even when people are not thirsty, and the institute encouraged limits to physical activity. "Pay special attention to people in your area who might need your help," the office explained. "Also, keep a close eye on your pets."
Thursday was predicted to be "extremely warm" ranging from 33 to 37 degrees in most places, and 38 degrees in Limburg. Most of the country has been under a Code Orange alert several days this week.
"Friday and Saturday will be even warmer, with maximum temperatures of 33-36°C in the north and west and 36-39°C inland; locally, it may possibly reach 40°C," the KNMI stated. "The weather situation can cause so much damage, injury, and disturbances that it can be socially disruptive," the organization said.
A coastal sea breeze should make the evening more pleasant for people near the shore, but the low temperature should remain in the 20s. "In urban areas, it will not cool down below 23-25°C," the meteorological office warned.
People can keep their homes cooler by shutting their blinds, keeping windows and doors closed, and only opening them for ventilation during the coolest part of the morning. All week, people have been warned to wear lighter clothes, and to take precautions.
Anyone who uses the trains and the roadways have been encouraged to carry enough water for their entire journeys. The possibility of buckling railroad tracks and broken switches can lead to disrupted train service, and the high heat may make it more difficult for workers to make repairs.
There is also a "high risk of dangerous situations" when in a stationary car. Melting asphalt and buckling pavement can also lead to issues on the roads and bridges. Drivers were encouraged to keep an umbrella that can be used for shade when vehicles break down, and they have to wait for assistance.
The national heat plan produced by the Dutch public health institute, RIVM, remains in effect at least to Saturday. The decision to issue a stricter Code Red alert came after an afternoon meeting between the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, police, fire department officials, the National Crisis Center, and railroad firm ProRail.
