After consulting the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI), RIVM has decided to activate the National Heatwave Plan throughout the Netherlands as of 18 June 2026. The reason for activating this plan is to let informal carers and care professionals know that a heatwave is coming. This helps make them aware that they should pay extra attention to they people they are taking care of. They can then take the heat into account when giving care and support to vulnerable groups, like the elderly and small children.
Update: As of Saturday, June 20, the National Heat Plan is no longer active in de provinces of Friesland and Groningen. The plan remains active in the rest of the Netherlands.
Vulnerable groups
The elderly (75+) are the biggest vulnerable group because of old age, it is more difficult for them to regulate their body temperature. Moreover, their feeling of thirsty is decreased. In addition, pregnant woman, people with chronic conditions, who are socially isolated or homeless and (very) young children can also easily experience distress or develop health problems if measures are not put in place to protect them. They may otherwise experience problems like fatigue, headaches and concentration problems. They are also at greater risk of more serious health problems, like dehydration and heat stroke.
Look out for each other
Are you taking care of someone? Are there vulnerable people in your environment? You can help them by paying extra attention to them during the heatwave. There are several things you can do to help them cope:
- Put glasses or bottles with drinks close to them so they have enough to drink.
- Help keep their house (and their head) cool, for example by closing the curtains or turning on a fan or air conditioning.
- Only take them outside early in the morning or late in the evening. It is better not to move too much during the hottest part of the day.
Read more about heat and the National Heatwave Plan on our website. It is also wise to use sun protection options You can use these to protect both yourself and others.