What can you do in hot weather?

• Drink enough: preferably 2 litres of water or more a day. Even if you are not thirsty.
• Keep yourself cool: for example, wear thin clothes, stay in the shade, take a cool foot bath or put a wet towel on your neck from time to time.
• Protect yourself from the sun: apply sunscreen regularly, wear sunglasses, light clothing and a cap or hat.
• Don't exercise actively in the afternoon. It is a lot cooler in the morning and later in the evening.

Complaints you can get

If it is very hot and you do not adapt to this properly, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Sweating a lot
• Being tired
• Not being able to concentrate well
• Being dizzy
• Headache
• Problems on your skin, such as burning, itching and rashes with blisters.

Do you have any of the above complaints? Then make sure you take action. Cool your body and drink enough. Do the symptoms not diminish? Then you may be dehydrated or have sunstroke. This could be dangerous.

Difference between heatstroke and sunstroke

Heat stroke is a severe form of overheating, while sunstroke is a less severe form of overheating, often caused by prolonged sun exposure. Heat stroke can lead to unconsciousness and requires immediate medical attention, while sunstroke is generally treatable with rest, cooling and hydration.

Heat stroke symptoms
In heat stroke, the body can no longer release heat and the thermostat in the brain can be disrupted. The body temperature often runs above 40 degrees, causing confusion, unconsciousness, rapid heartbeat and breathing, convulsions and, in some cases, no sweat production. Immediate help is crucial. The body must be cooled and fluids administered.

Heat plan and heatwave

A heatwave is said to exist in the Netherlands when a maximum temperature of at least 25 degrees for five days or more, of which at least three days are 30 degrees or more at De Bilt.

The National Heat Plan is activated during sustained heat, while a heatwave is a specific period of hot weather. The Heat Plan aims to protect vulnerable groups during periods of sustained heat, with organisations such as GGDs and pharmacists providing information and advice.