Dutch consumer spending falls during heatwave code red

Research by ABN AMRO, based on transaction data from Dutch customers, shows that average consumption dropped about 4 % during the June heatwave when the KNMI issued a red‑heat code for the first time. The decline was strongest in rural areas, where pin‑payments and fuel purchases fell sharply as people stayed home, especially older residents.

In the days leading up to the hottest temperatures, pin‑payments rose as people enjoyed terrace weather, but on the peak days (temperatures above 30 °C) both online spending and cash withdrawals fell. City dwellers kept pin‑payments steadier, spending more in hospitality venues, while supermarkets saw increased purchases nationwide.

ABN AMRO economists noted, “Woningen in sterk stedelijke gebieden warmen bovendien vaak sterker op, waardoor de behoefte om buitenshuis verkoeling te zoeken groter kan zijn,” and researcher Jeannine van Reeken‑Van Wee added, “Er is zoiets als lekker terrasweer.” The overall pattern suggests a temporary postponement of purchases rather than a permanent cutback.