The code orange that was issued due to the heat on Tuesday ended just after 9 p.m., the KNMI said.
The weather forecast was in effect from 11 a.m. for the south, east and center of the country. Temperatures above 36 degrees were reached there. During the evening the heat has diminished. Until Wednesday, code yellow will remain in effect as part of the National Heat Plan.
The mercury is expected to drop again on Wednesday and the heat will be dissipated. In the night from Tuesday to Wednesday it is still warm with at least 20 to 25 degrees. Thunderstorms are expected in parts of the country on Wednesday evening. In the east it can get hot during the day with temperatures around 30 degrees.
Tropical temperatures across the country
Tropical temperatures were recorded across the country on Tuesday. Maastricht was the hottest at 39.5 degrees. But it wasn’t officially the warmest July 19 on record. It was just not warm enough at the weather station in De Bilt for that. The record there still stands at 35.8 degrees, measured in 2006.
The KNMI warned that the heat could cause health problems for vulnerable groups such as the elderly. It was advised to drink sufficient water, to keep the house cool and to limit physical exertion.
In addition to code orange, a smog alarm was also in force on Tuesday. This was issued by the RIVM because of the poor air quality. As a result, people could get respiratory complaints.