In the coming days, it will be scorching hot in Amsterdam. Did you know that it feels even warmer in the city than in the countryside? This is because stone and asphalt retain heat. The city hardly cools down. Especially in areas with little greenery and a lot of buildings, the heat lingers.
On the heat dashboard of Amsterdam, you can see where the heat lingers the most and where it is a few degrees cooler. The map is based on an extremely hot day in July 2015 and shows how warm it felt per neighborhood between 12:00 and 18:00. Handy if you want to take a refreshing walk or seek coolness in nature. The Amsterdamse Bos, Waterland, and Ouderkerkerplas are good options.
Look Out for Each Other
High temperatures can be dangerous, especially for the elderly, young children, people with chronic conditions, pregnant women, and homeless individuals. Every year, people die from heat, often unnecessarily. Not everyone asks for help. Perhaps your neighbor is having trouble opening the window, or your neighbor cant take his dog out. A small gesture can mean a lot.
Cooling for the Homeless
For homeless individuals, it is difficult to seek coolness indoors. Since this year, we have taken extra measures for that. In shelters, which are open longer, people can seek cooling. They receive water and protective items, such as sunscreen. Field workers inform people about the dangers of substance use in combination with hot weather.
Think of Animals Too
Animals suffer in the heat. Dogs can only lose their heat through their paw pads and by panting. Therefore, do not walk them during the hottest part of the day (12:00-15:00), avoid asphalt, and ensure shade and plenty of drinking water. A wet white sheet provides cooling, and a cool element in a pets bed or cage can help. You can also place a bowl of water on your balcony or in the garden for birds and other animals.
Swimming, Tapping, and More Tips
On maps.amsterdam.nl/zwemwater, you can see where you can swim safely in Amsterdam and where toddler pools can be found. And with the water taps and water points from Waternet, you can refresh yourself in many places in the city.
Want to Know More
Check out Heat - GGD Amsterdam or the National Heat Plan from RIVM.