The Netherlands will see temperatures rise to an average of 27 Celsius on Wednesday and increase to 32 Celsius by Saturday.

On Tuesday, the public health institute RIVM will start its national heatwave plan which is aimed at protecting vulnerable groups from the heat.

The plan offers advice to older people the chronically sick and overweight people to drink enough water, wear thin clothing, avoid physical effort and stay in the shade.

Weather bureau KNMI will keep the RIVM informed about temperatures which the RIVM will pass on to care institutions and the Red Cross which then ensure vulnerable people follow the advice.

The national heatwave plan swings into action when the forecast is for four consecutive days with temperatures above 27 Celsius.

The KNMI is forecasting midday temperatures of 27 Celsius on Tuesday, rising to between 32 and 35 Celsius on Saturday. Sunday will be a little cooler at 23 to 27 Celsius, but the warm weather is expected to continue into next week.

Grand Départ

On Saturday, Utrecht could see temperatures hit 35 Celsius for the start of the Tour de France. The organisers told news agency ANP they will ask those attending to take appropriate measures.

‘We will contact visitors via social media and our app and website advising them to wear light clothing on Saturday, wear a hat, use sun screen and drink plenty of water,’ a spokesman told ANP. ‘We will also ask them to stay in the shade as much as possible.’

The heatwave may be accompanied by thundery showers in some parts of the country.