Netherlands issues first-ever code red for heat as violent thunderstorms threaten outdoor events
With temperatures soaring up to 38°C, the KNMI has declared the country's first-ever red weather alert for heat, while severe thunderstorms packing hail and 100 km/h winds are expected to sweep the nation tonight.
Record-breaking heat triggers historic alert
For the first time since the KNMI introduced its colour-coded warning system, a code red has been issued for extreme heat. The alert applies throughout Saturday to the provinces of Limburg, Noord-Brabant, Gelderland and Overijssel, where thermometers are forecast to reach 38°C. In the rest of the country, except the Wadden Islands, an orange warning remains in force. The combination of high temperature and humidity is producing oppressive, stifling heat that poses a health risk to the entire population.
The National Heat Plan, activated by the RIVM, is in effect at least until the end of Saturday. The KNMI advises staying indoors during the hottest hours, seeking cool locations and avoiding strenuous physical activity.
Events cancelled as organisers cite safety concerns
Three Rotterdam festivals will not go ahead on Saturday after the municipality revoked their permits. The Nous Klaer Festival, Buiten Gewoon Festival and I Love Urban were all called off because the heat made it impossible to guarantee the safety of visitors, staff and others involved. The municipal health service (GGD) supported the decision.
The city clarified that quieter events could still proceed, provided organisers take measures to protect attendees from the heat. Elsewhere, authorities continue to urge people to monitor weather radars and stay alert.
So make sure you retract your awning before you leave home. If you are sitting in a park, it is wise to keep an eye on the radar so you can seek shelter in time.
Thunderstorms to bring damaging winds and hail
Attention is now turning to the evening, when the weather is expected to turn violent. Meteorologist Lafeber of Weeronline says the ingredients for severe thunderstorms are all present: heat, high moisture aloft and strong wind shear.
The chance seems very high that it will really let loose late Saturday evening or in the night from Saturday to Sunday. Think hail, a lot of rain and lightning. It will really come down in buckets. I do expect it to pass quickly, but locally a lot of rainwater can fall.
A nationwide code yellow for thunderstorms takes effect from 18:00 on Saturday until the early hours of Sunday. Forecasters warn of hailstones between two and five centimetres in diameter, wind gusts reaching 100 km/h and torrential rain capable of causing localised flooding and damage.
- Code yellow for thunderstorms in Gelderland, Noord-Brabant and Limburg
- Code red heat for Limburg, Brabant, Gelderland and Overijssel; code orange for most of the country
- Code yellow nationwide for severe thunderstorms with large hail and 100 km/h winds
- Cooler with rain and local thunderstorms; highs of 21–30°C
- Return to normal summer weather, 22–26°C
Relief arrives Sunday, summer returns next week
The extreme heat will ease markedly on Sunday. A collision of moist sea air from the west and very hot continental air from the east is expected to generate further thunderstorms, particularly over the east and southeast during the afternoon. Daytime highs will drop to between 21°C and 30°C, with the night cooling to around 17°C.
From Monday, normal summer weather resumes, with temperatures settling between 22°C and 26°C for the rest of the week. While isolated showers remain possible, conditions will generally be pleasant for outdoor activity.
