Overview
- KNMI declared code orange for extreme heat, which took effect on Thursday and warns of locally severe temperatures and increased health risks.
- Forecasters predict daytime highs around 35–37°C on Friday with high humidity and a likely easing after thunderstorms from Sunday.
- The region experienced its first tropennacht with overnight temperatures above 20°C and Rotterdam Airport logged a seasonal minimum of 21.6°C.
- Municipalities have opened day‑care sites as public cooling centres, exam halls are being monitored with a 30°C cancellation threshold, and several festivals and markets have been cancelled or adapted.
- Emergency services and workers are adjusting operations: a swimmer was rescued from the Oude Maas, outdoor crews are shifting hours to avoid peak heat, and animal facilities are giving extra cooling to livestock and zoo animals.