A dangerous heatwave has arrived in the Netherlands. Temperatures have reached close to 40 degrees Celsius. That is about 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Amsterdam officials are urging residents to protect themselves. They have a simple but surprising idea.
The city wants people to hang curtains outside windows. Bedsheets can also work as a barrier against the sun. This blocks sunlight before it reaches the glass. It is a cheap way to reduce heat inside homes. Exterior shading can make a big difference.
Dutch homes have very big windows that face the sun. These houses were designed to trap warmth during winter. But now, summers are getting much hotter each year. About 110 people die from heat in Amsterdam every year. This number might rise without serious action.
The government has also started a national heatwave plan. It focuses on protecting vulnerable people like older adults. Amsterdam has opened cool-down spots in libraries and churches. Researchers are exploring more ways to cool city streets. If cities do not adapt, extreme heat will become worse.
