5 months Ago
The extreme weather started over the weekend and is hitting all of the country. A Code Yellow warning (temperatures from 23-33 degrees) was in effect Monday for all provinces. The National Heat Plan was put into motion on Monday morning to help the elderly, the chronically ill and young children.
Temperatures to rise on Tuesday and Wednesday
Generation forecasts Tuesday as the warmest, with most places getting between 30 and 34 degrees. Temperatures may exceed 35 degrees in the south of the country, with parts of Limburg and Noord-Brabant reaching 38 degrees. Conditions would also be uncomfortably warm into the night, with the urban and southeastern parts of the city getting temperatures hovering between 20 and 25 degrees, according to the weather office, which means there will be no respite. Similar terms are expected on Wednesday before cooler air arrives from the west later in the day.
Public advised to be cautious and stay safe
Health authorities have cautioned that prolonged heat can make people dehydrated, overheat, and otherwise exacerbate health issues, especially among those with underlying health issues. Residents are urged to drink plenty of liquids, even if they do not feel thirsty, to wear loose-fitting clothes made of cotton or linen, to avoid working or playing hard outside between noon and 6 p.m., and to apply sunscreen often. People on medication should consult the package leaflet, as some medications may hamper body temperature adjustment.
Swimmers in natural waters should be especially aware of an issue with blue-green algae, which flourish in warm weather and can lead to skin irritation and other health risks. Local advisories should be checked, officials say, before entering lakes, rivers and oceans.
The Code Orange level is a signal that there is likely to be a major impact on public health and daily life. Residents are being asked to check on people who may be vulnerable and to expect the extreme heat to remain at least until Wednesday night.
