The temperature tipped 37.3 degrees in Maastricht on Thursday, making it the warmest July day ever recorded in the Netherlands, broadcaster Nos said.

Last night was also the warmest evening since formal records began in 1901. In Arcen, in Limburg, the temperature did not dip below 24.1 degrees.

In coastal regions, however, a sea breeze means the temperature is being kept below 28 degrees. In addition, there may be some localised thunderstorms on Thursday evening, weather forecasters say.

The heatwave has led Dutch railway company NS to reduce services on some routes to head off the risk of the rails buckling.

A number of events, such as fun runs and shows involving animals, have also been cancelled or brought forward this weekend because of the heat.

The high temperatures have also increased the risk of heath fires and a code orange warning has been issued for large parts of Noord-Brabant and Limburg.

On Friday it will be cooler than today at 29 degrees but the temperature will rise again to the mid-30s on Saturday. Next week it will remain summery and warm but with more showers.