People who are sensitive to polluted air are being advised to stay indoors on Tuesday because smog may be problem, the public health institute RIVM said.

‘The air quality may be poor nationwide, but the highest concentrations are expected in the east,’ a spokesman told broadcaster RTL Nieuws. Smog, made up of nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, ozone, smoke or dirt particles, is worst in the afternoon and early evening.

Smog develops on sunny days when there is little or no wind and can cause coughing and asthma attacks in sufferers. People may also have irritated eyes, noses and throats.

Wednesday is likely to be better as the weather begins to change, the RIVM said.

Tuesday is set to be the last of the very hot days and there may be thunderstorms in the south, weather bureau KNMI said.

Wednesday and the rest of the week will have temperatures in the mid to low 20s and there will also be some showers.