Overview
- The heat peak included record readings on July 29 when De Bilt reached 31.7°C, making it the warmest 29 July on record and regional highs approached about 35°C in parts of the east and southeast.
- The KNMI issued code yellow heat warnings for several provinces that ran through Friday morning and the RIVM activated the National Heat Plan for parts of the southeast to protect vulnerable people.
- Local authorities extended pool and terrace hours, altered waste and event schedules, and rescue brigades responded to multiple coastal incidents involving swimmers and stand‑up paddlers.
- High night‑time temperatures in towns created extra health stress, inland blue‑green algae forced negative swim advice at several lakes, and firefighters contained a series of small field and hay‑machine fires.
- July was exceptionally dry with an estimated national precipitation deficit near 250 millimetres, and meteorologists say weeks of steady, light rain—not brief heavy showers—will be needed to restore soils and water supplies.