Code red extended into Saturday as temperature tops 37°

The KNMI weather bureau has extended its code red weather warning for the provinces of Limburg, Brabant, Gelderland and Overijssel into Saturday as the heatwave continues.

The temperature topped 37° in the south of the country on Friday as 30° plus temperatures covered all of the country apart from some of the Wadden Sea islands.

More events scheduled for the weekend have been cancelled because of the heat, including Saturday’s military parade to mark Veterans’ Day. Several festivals and concerts have also been scrapped.

Hospital accident and emergency departments report seeing a rise in patients with heat-related ailments, doctor Yara Basta told broadcaster NOS. In particular people with asthma and COPD are suffering worse symptoms because of the heat. “We are also seeing an increase in heart complaints,” she said.

Some elderly people and children have also been suffering from dehydration because they have not drunk enough. In some cases, ambulances have offered on the spot help, Basta said.

Construction companies such as Dura Vermeer, BAM and Structon have also halted all but essential outdoor work.

The KNMI has issued a code yellow storm warning for the south of the country on Friday evening, which will bring some respite from the heat.

However, Saturday will also be hot, with temperatures in the mid 30°s, and heavy storms are likely over much of the country.

By Sunday it will be slightly cooler but the risk of storms remains, the KNMI said Next week will be cooler again, with temperatures in the mid 20s and light showers at times.