A code yellow weather warning for extreme heat is now in force across Limburg, North Brabant, Gelderland, and Overijssel, running until 7 AM on Friday, July 31.
According to the KNMI (the Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute), temperatures “of up to 35 degrees Celsius are expected, particularly in the southeast and east, with a heat index of 7 or 8.”
And this weather warning isn’t the only thing landing on our plate midweek, as the RIVM’s National Heat Plan has also switched on for the same four provinces.
How hot is it going to get this week?
Temperatures in the affected provinces are forecast to sit between a sweltering 28 and 35 degrees Celsius until this Friday, reports the KNMI.
Unfortunately, the nights aren’t going to bring much relief either, with nighttime temperatures expected to hover around 20 degrees in the bigger cities.
The KNMI also flags a “heat index” of 6 to 8 during the day; a measure of how draining the heat actually feels, combining temperature, humidity, sunshine, and wind.
With heat of this intensity, the following groups will need to be extra vigilant, as they’re more sensitive:
- people over the age of 75,
- pregnant people,
- and people with underlying health conditions (such as heart or lung problems).
If you’ve got young children, you’ll also want to ensure they hydrate and avoid the heat of the day.
Expect another hot wave from Sunday
While we may briefly bid “doei” to the current hot spell on Friday, the KNMI notes that “another very warm period may follow, with temperatures of 30 to 35 degrees in many places on Monday.”
The Nationaal Hitteplan (National Heat Plan) is the RIVM’s way of raising a flag when hot weather is coming. This is the third time it’s been triggered this year, and it’s unlikely to be the last, with Sunday’s hot spell on the horizon.
If you need to head outside, aim for the early morning or later in the evening, and take it easy on anything strenuous during the hottest hours. With a UV index of 6 forecast for the following days, make sure to slather on some sunscreen whenever you leave the house.
How are you weathering the current hot spell? Share your tips and suggestions in the comments below.
