Warnings from the KNMI are known to most Dutch people. To investigate how the Dutch perceive our weather warnings, we conducted surveys in 2024 after five orange weather alerts.
About 1,000 people participated in the research in areas where the respective orange alert was issued. Four out of five Dutch people (82%) correctly identified that the KNMI issues weather warnings. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of respondents were sure that a weather warning had been issued. Especially the warnings for thunderstorms and strong winds were well known. Dutch people primarily hear about the weather warnings through news apps, websites, television, or radio.
Four out of ten adjust their behavior
Not everyone changes their plans after a warning. Four out of ten (39%) people indicated that they did adjust their behavior, for example, by securing loose items, choosing a different travel time, or staying at home. People also mentioned that they check precipitation radar more often after a warning. Of the 61% who indicated they did not adjust their plans following a weather warning, six out of ten (61%) had no plans to go outside.
Most people find orange code justified
Two-thirds (68%) of respondents find the orange code appropriate for the weather for which the warning was issued. A quarter (24%) finds the warning exaggerated. The majority (68%) believes that the weather warnings are issued at the right time.
Well-regarded reporting
The weather warnings on the KNMI website are rated an average of 7.5. Especially the warning for storm Conall in November 2024 scored high with a 7.9. People find the texts of the warnings clear and useful, but sometimes want more details about where the dangerous weather is expected.
Quick surveys provide insight
The KNMI has asked Ipsos I&O to conduct surveys shortly after a weather warning is issued. In 2024, we issued orange code nine times. Surveys were conducted after five of these weather warnings among a representative group of the Dutch population. After one year, an overarching report was compiled. Research was also conducted in 2021, 2022, and 2023. The KNMI uses the insights from these surveys to further improve the weather warnings.
Do you want to receive notifications for our warnings? With the KNMI app, you are prepared for dangerous weather. Download the KNMI app from the App Store (iOS) or in the Play Store (Android).