Heatwave

Around seven hundred oral exams at special secondary schools were cancelled due to extreme heat, leaving vulnerable pupils facing delays. The CvTE and Sector Council‑GO say the decision was unavoidable because of Code Red conditions. New exam dates will follow once supervisors become available.

NS will run fewer trains on several routes on Monday and Tuesday after heavy rain, fallen trees and lightning disrupted rail infrastructure. The rail operator expects only limited disruption, with most affected routes located in the Randstad region.

Lightning strikes triggered several fires across the Netherlands as severe thunderstorms moved through the country. Firefighters contained the incidents, preventing more extensive damage, although two calves died after a strike at a farm in Groningen.

Dutch and European electricity prices are soaring to multi-year highs this Wednesday evening as an intense heatwave triggers record demand for air conditioning. Wholesale prices in the Netherlands will hit 902.47 euros per megawatt-hour at 20:45, driven by high cooling demands, low wind energy output, and French nuclear power limits. The surge will push retail dynamic contracts to an all-time high of 1.203 euros per kilowatt-hour, prompting consumer experts to warn households to avoid using heavy appliances between 19:30 and 22:00.

Dutch supermarkets and parcel services have implemented safety protocols to support delivery staff during an impending regional heatwave. Companies like DHL, PostNL, and Jumbo are adjusting shift patterns, shortening routes, and offering flexible hours to keep workers out of the sun during peak hours. With a code orange warning active across central and southern regions, employers are also distributing extra water, sunscreen, and ice lollies to combat dangerous working conditions.

Demand for air conditioners has jumped as the Netherlands experiences tropical temperatures. Installers report a sharp rise in requests, and the number of systems in Dutch homes continues to grow. By year-end, up to 2.5 million units are expected to be in place nationwide.