The Netherlands is set to experience several days of intense summer heat, with tropical temperatures and high UV levels prompting warnings about sunburn and sleepless nights.

On Monday, temperatures will range from 26° in the north to 33° in the south, but  Weeronline says Tuesday will bring widespread tropical heat, with maximum temperatures ranging from 30° to 36°.

The southern province of Limburg is expected to be the hottest, while high humidity will make conditions feel particularly oppressive. Wednesday is also forecast to be very warm, although there is some uncertainty about how long the heat will persist before cooler air arrives, and there could be thunderstorms in the evening.

After Wednesday, the weather is likely to become more unsettled, with temperatures returning to more typical summer levels of between 21° and 26°, Weeronline says.

The run of hot days means parts of the country are almost certain to experience a regional heatwave. This occurs when temperatures exceed 25° for at least five consecutive days, with three of those days topping 30°. Official national heatwaves are determined by the temperature at the De Bilt weather station near Utrecht.

The high temperatures mean that special protocols to deal with the heat – known as the nationaal hitteplan – will come into effect, focusing on minimising the impact on older people and those in vulnerable health.