Netherlands cancels outdoor events as heatwave reaches 32°C

The Beverwijk hard‑driving competition and its accompanying ring‑steeplechase were called off after the municipality warned that temperatures of 32 °C would endanger both horses and spectators. Hans van der Linden of the Harddraverij Stichting called the decision “a drama for everyone involved”.

In the town of Oud‑Beijerland, organizers of the popular Hardloopfeest also cancelled the event scheduled for 26 June. Forecasts showed around 30 °C with high humidity and strong sun. In consultation with the Red Cross, the Hoeksche Waard municipality and regional safety authorities, they cited the risk to roughly 900 participants and numerous volunteers. An organizer said, “Het vuur uit je sloffen rennen is de bedoeling, maar niet letterlijk.” Both cancellations highlight safety concerns amid an unusually hot Dutch heatwave.