3 hours Ago
Record Temperatures and Regional Extremes
The national temperature benchmark is recorded at De Bilt, but several other parts of the country are expected to run even hotter overnight. In Beek, located in Zuid-Limburg, forecasters expect the temperature to stay well above 25 degrees through the night, which would also set a new national record for the highest overnight minimum ever measured. That record currently stands at 24.4 degrees, set in Deelen, Gelderland, on July 27, 2018.
Beyond the overnight records, this heatwave is also on course to become the longest ever recorded in the Netherlands, and it may even qualify as a superheatwave under official criteria. The sustained dry and hot conditions are also raising wildfire risk in multiple regions across the country.
KNMI issued a code orange warning covering the entire country except Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe, which fall under a code yellow advisory. For areas under orange, afternoon highs are expected to reach between 33 and 37 degrees, with cities seeing overnight temperatures ranging from 22 to 27 degrees. The three northern provinces will be slightly cooler, with afternoon peaks of 28 to 33 degrees and city nights dropping to around 20 degrees.
Health Warnings and Disruptions Across the Country
Officials are urging people to take the heat seriously. KNMI was direct in its warning that extreme heat can affect anyone's health, including people who are otherwise fit and healthy, particularly during any kind of physical activity. The national heat plan is currently active, with the public health institute RIVM calling on caregivers and healthcare workers to keep a close watch on those in their care. Elderly people and young children face the greatest risk.
The heat is also causing wider disruption to daily life. Train operator NS has reduced services on several routes because of the extreme temperatures, adding to travel difficulties that commuters already faced following Wednesday morning's public transport strike. Many schools have shifted to a tropical schedule, shortening the school day or adjusting lesson times to protect students from the worst of the afternoon heat.
The exceptional warmth is expected to last through at least Saturday, with maximum temperatures forecast between 34 and 38 degrees. Some relief may come over the weekend, with the chance of thunderstorms increasing on Saturday, particularly in the west, and a higher likelihood of storms on Sunday. Temperatures are expected to ease more broadly from Monday onward, though the southeast may remain unusually warm into the new week.
