The Dutch weather service, KNMI, has extended its Code Red weather warning for the provinces of Limburg, North Brabant, Gelderland, and Overijssel as the country’s heatwave continues.
Temperatures climbed above 37 degrees Celsius in the southern part of the Netherlands on Friday. Most parts of the country recorded temperatures above 30 degrees, except for some of the Wadden Islands.
The extreme heat has forced the cancellation of several weekend events, including Saturday’s military parade for Veterans’ Day. A number of festivals and concerts have also been called off.
Hospitals have reported an increase in patients suffering from heat-related illnesses.
Doctor Yara Basta told Dutch broadcaster NOS that more people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are experiencing severe symptoms because of the hot weather.
“We are also seeing an increase in heart complaints,” she said.
She added that some elderly people and children have become dehydrated because they did not drink enough water. In some cases, ambulance crews were able to treat patients at the scene without taking them to hospital.
The heat has also affected construction work. Companies including Dura Vermeer, BAM, and Strukton have suspended all non-essential outdoor work to protect their workers.
The KNMI has also issued a Code Yellow warning for thunderstorms in the southern parts of the country. The storms are expected to bring some relief from the heat on Friday evening.
Saturday is still expected to be very hot, with temperatures reaching the mid-30s. Heavy thunderstorms are also forecast in many parts of the country.
Conditions are expected to improve slightly on Sunday, although there is still a risk of thunderstorms. Next week, temperatures are forecast to drop to the mid-20s, with occasional light showers.
