Heat warning issued for central and southern Netherlands as RIVM activates national plan

The National Heat Plan will be activated from Saturday in seven provinces across the central and southern Netherlands, the RIVM announced on Friday in consultation with the KNMI. The measure applies in Zeeland, South Holland, North Brabant, Limburg, Utrecht, Gelderland and Overijssel, both Nieuws.nl and Noordhollands Dagblad reported.

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Noordhollands DagbladNationaal Hitteplan zaterdag in Midden- en Zuid-NederlandNieuws.nlNationaal Hitteplan zaterdag in Midden- en Zuid-Nederland

The decision was prompted by forecasts of temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius combined with high UV index levels, according to De Telegraaf. The plan aims to alert caregivers and healthcare workers to the risks posed to vulnerable groups during extended hot weather.

"Het RIVM adviseert voldoende drinken, ruimtes koel houden en alleen 's ochtends of 's avonds naar buiten gaan."

The agency recommends drinking plenty of water, keeping indoor spaces cool, and limiting outdoor activities to morning or evening hours, the same outlet noted.

This is the second time the heat plan has been activated this year. It was previously in effect from June 18 to 29, a period during which there were an estimated 480 excess deaths compared to the expected number, De Telegraaf reported. While no direct link has been drawn between the two activations, the figures underscore the heightened risk that prolonged heat events pose to public health.