Overview
- The RIVM and KNMI announced the Nationaal Hitteplan will be active from 08:00 on Saturday 11 July for Zuid‑Holland, Utrecht, Noord‑Brabant, Limburg, Zeeland, Gelderland and Overijssel to prepare for several hot days.
- Meteorologists forecast daytime highs of about 30–33°C this weekend with lower humidity and nights mostly below 20°C, reducing the risk of prolonged, oppressive 'plaknachten'.
- The heat plan is a warning system used when the KNMI expects prolonged warm weather, commonly four straight days of 27°C or more, and it is set to coordinate protective actions for care staff and informal carers.
- Authorities are urging people to drink enough fluids, keep living spaces cool, avoid heavy exertion during midday, review medication risks, and check on vulnerable neighbours; some municipalities are opening cooling locations such as museums.
- This is the plan's second activation this year after the late‑June episode (18–29 June) that included KNMI red alerts and an RIVM estimate of about 480 excess deaths, underscoring the public‑health priority of protecting at‑risk groups.