Heat wave

Dutch sugar beet farmers are seeing major yield losses due to drought and heat, with similar problems in Germany and France. Falling groundwater levels, plant diseases, and limited irrigation are putting pressure on European sugar production.

Dutch municipalities are shifting waste collection to early morning hours due to upcoming extreme heat. Garbage trucks will start as early as 06:00, and recycling centers will close around noon to protect workers from high temperatures.

The Netherlands saw exceptionally little rainfall in July 2026, averaging just 12 millimeters nationwide, making it the second driest July since weather measurements began in 1906. Sunshine hours were unusually high, temperatures consistently warm, and only a few regions saw anything close to normal precipitation.

Albert Heijn will stop grocery deliveries nationwide from 3:00 PM on Friday due to the KNMI’s code red heat warning. The supermarket says employee safety comes first. Deliveries are expected to resume Saturday morning, while customers are asked to visit stores or reschedule orders.

CBR cancels driving exams in code‑red provinces due to extreme heat. Over 5,000 tests affected; rescheduling is free and prioritised. Friesland, Groningen, Drenthe, Zeeland continue.

The Dutch health ministry has activated its national heatwave plan as temperatures are forecast to reach 39°C. Authorities have issued a code orange warning, which means the extreme heat poses a health risk to the entire population. Official guidance outlines how to stay cool, travel safely, and spot the signs of serious heat-related illness.