Netherlands unprepared for extreme heat as new normal; Temps above 30°C again this week

Extreme heat is becoming increasingly common in the Netherlands. This week, temperatures will again top 30 degrees Celsius in many parts of the country, and the southeast stands at the start of its third heatwave so far this season. The Netherlands is not prepared for this new normal, experts told NU.nl.

The KNMI forecasts maximums ranging between 21 and 28 degrees on Monday, north to south. There will be some rain and clouds in the north, but the sun will gain more and more ground.

The rest of the week will be sunny and dry. “Maximum temperature will initially range between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius. From Thursday onward, it will become summery warm, tropical in the southern half.” Thermometers will top 30 in the south from Thursday, hitting 33 degrees by Saturday, the meteorological institute expects. It may implement more heat warnings.

The Netherlands is not prepared for such temperatures on a structural basis. The recent “superheatwave,” which triggered the first-ever code red heat alert and resulted in canceled events and closed schools, again showed that, experts told NU.nl.

It is essential that the Netherlands adapts its physical living environment, Nanco Dolman of Deltares, an expert in the field of adaptation who regularly writes reports for the IPCC, told the newspaper. "But that adaptation is proceeding much slower than climate change itself," says Dolman.

Cities in the Netherlands are not built to withstand heat and can be up to 7 degrees warmer than rural areas on hot days. Newly built homes are often designed to retain heat, with a strong focus on insulation, but overlook the need to cool down in hot weather. Many cities do not have enough greenery to provide shade and absorb heat. And only 128 of the 342 Dutch municipalities have a heat plan.

Adding more greenery to the cityscape and also paying attention to losing heat with aircons and sun blinds in places like schools and nursing homes are easy measures that can have a big impact, the experts said.

But Dutch residents also need to change their mentality and habits. A siesta, where shops close during the hottest part of the day and everyone retreats indoors, is an option that is mentioned more and more. According to Dolman, it is not a bad idea at all.