It is warm and very sunny this weekend, with maximum temperatures between 25 and 34 °C. The National Heat Plan is not active, but it is advised to keep an eye on the weather forecast.
Heat can be dangerous. Especially the elderly and people with vulnerable health are sensitive to it. During heavy physical activity, anyone can experience complaints such as dehydration and overheating. The KNMI warns with a yellow code for heat if we expect a maximum temperature of 35 °C or higher for 1 day. That is not the case at this moment.
Advice in heat:
- Stay out of the sun
- Use sunscreen, even in light cloud cover. Check the UV index in the KNMI app
- Drink enough water. Also take water with you on the go
- Avoid heavy physical activities between 12:00 and 18:00
- Keep a close eye on people with vulnerable health in your surroundings
- Also pay attention to your pets
- Keep your home cool: use shading, close windows and doors during the day, and ventilate your house early in the morning
- Do not leave children and pets in a closed car, even for a few minutes
- Check zwemwater.nl if you plan to swim in natural water
- On Saturday, there is a chance of smog due to ozone in the south and middle of the Netherlands. Check smog warnings from the RIVM
Check the current weather forecast for the whole country. Want the weather forecast for your own place? Download the KNMI app for iOS in the App Store or for Android in the Play Store.
National Heat Plan Not Active
The National Heat Plan is not active this weekend, but we advise to keep an eye on the weather forecast. The decision to activate the National Heat Plan is made by the RIVM after consultation with the KNMI. The likelihood of sustained warm weather, but also the expected night temperature and humidity play an important role in this.
Warmer in the City
Most cities in the world are warmer than the rural surroundings. In cities, heat is produced and heat is also better retained by buildings than in rural areas. This can lead to a temperature difference of several degrees in cities compared to the rural environment. This effect is also known as the urban heat island effect.
In the KNMI app, there are maps with measurements, including the temperature in the Netherlands. On this map with the current temperature for your locations, it is often warmer in the city. The colors on this map give you a general picture and show temperature differences between places in the Netherlands.
Next Year New Heat Strength Index
One type of heat is not the same as another. When does it really feel hot? The KNMI is developing a heat strength index together with TNO, RIVM, and VU to better assess how burdensome heat is for humans. In this new index, temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind are combined. From summer 2026, the index is expected to be available via the KNMI app, so everyone can see how heavy the heat feels at that moment. This helps the Netherlands to be better prepared for heat, now and in the future.