The implementation of a national heat protection plan in 2010 has led to a significant decrease in heat-related deaths, according to an evaluation by the RIVM health institute.

While approximately 7,000 people died due to heat in the decade prior to the plan (2000-2009), that number dropped to 4,300 between 2010 and 2019. Despite this progress, experts caution that extreme heat remains a substantial risk.

In 2019, the Netherlands experienced an unprecedented temperature of 40.7°C on July 25, resulting in 549 deaths the following day. This figure is nearly 150 deaths higher than the average and is particularly concerning given projections of rising temperatures due to climate change.

RIVM researcher Jochem Klompenmaker noted the uniqueness of the 2019 death toll, stating that no other day between 2000 and 2019 exceeded 500 deaths during the summer.

Researchers suggest that increased public awareness of heat risks may contribute to the decline in fatalities. The impact of the heat plan itself, which outlines measures to prevent heat stress during extreme temperatures, is less clear. Media coverage of severe heat waves in 2003 and 2006 may also have prompted greater vigilance among individuals and organizations.

Elderly individuals, women, and residents of low-income areas are identified as being at the highest risk during periods of high temperatures. Younger people are also susceptible to potentially fatal heat stroke, as evidenced by recent incidents involving marathon runners.

Climate scenarios indicate a likely increase in the number of tropical days (temperatures exceeding 30°C) in the Netherlands. Consequently, the RIVM emphasizes the continued necessity of implementing measures to mitigate the health impacts of heat.