It’s hot, hot, hot in the Netherlands and everybody’s been gearing up with their table fans, freezers full of popsicles, their sunscreens, and light summer clothes. The temperature is going to be from 28 degrees at the coasts to 33 degrees as we move away from it. It could even go up to 36 degrees in some places! 

If you woke up in sweats this morning, you’re not the only one because temperatures did not go below 20 degrees. Expect the same tonight as well, and be sure to keep your fan on!

Heat plan implemented in the Netherlands: what to keep in mind

Because of these temperatures, the public health institute RIVM has implemented a ‘Heat Plan’ in Drenthe, Overijssel, Gelderland, Utrecht, Flevoland, Noord Brabant and Limburg reports RTLNieuws. A heat plan in the Netherlands is implemented to effectively make sure municipalities, groups, and the general population is warned of rising temperatures, and measures to be taken for the vulnerable people. These are their tips!

Be mindful of the vulnerable

Be especially mindful of vulnerable people like the elderly, babies, the chronically ill, overweight people, people in care homes and people in social isolation, says RIVM. Temperatures like these can lead to dehydration and overheating. Babies and young children should especially be given water to avoid any health risks.

Stay hydrated

See those water taps everywhere? Use them! Carry a bottle with you everywhere and make sure to actually drink from it – even if you’re not thirsty.

Stay cool

Find shade wherever you go and cling on it! If you’re going out for a walk or sitting in a terrace, look for the shadiest of places and enjoy the abundance of vitamin D from there. Keep your cool, literally and figuratively. At home, you should close the shutters, and turn up those fans and ACs. But remember to only crack open the window for ventilation, and not open it wide. You should do this when it cools down in the evening, to let in that breeze.

Avoid taxing exercise

Yes, for once, someone is telling you to sit on your ass and not try to run a marathon today. RIVM advices to especially avoid this between noon and 4pm. That should be easy because most of us are going to be at work then.

Go swimming!

No, don’t avoid swimming altogether. Just avoid it in places that are close to bridges and the like. Go where it’s allowed like swimming pools (have you checked out our ultimate swimming pool guide yet?) or beaches (we got one for that too 😉 ). The seawater is going to be a comfortable 15 to 16 degrees, so go enjoy!