High temperatures in the Netherlands

Tuesday 23 June 2026

It will be very hot the upcoming days, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius on several days. The KNMI (Dutch national weather institute) is issuing a code orange warning from Wednesday, noon, due to extreme heat. Please take care of yourself and others, and pay close attention to the following:

Keep windows and entrance doors of UT buildings closed as much as possible
This is so that air treatment in our UT buildings can work as well as possible. Should it be cooler in the early morning, windows can be opened for a short while.
Make sure you drink enough
Inside the buildings, there are water points at the coffee machines and at the toilets. Outside, there are water points at the athletics track, the O&O square, and the 'multiveld'.
Choose cool spots and stay in the shade as much as possible when outdoors
If you need or want to be outside, do not stay too long in the hottest areas of the UT, such as the O&O square. Our green campus has a lot of shaded spots as well.
Be alert to signs of overheating
These include headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
Be careful with alcohol and medication

More information about the heat in Enschede can be found on the website of the Gemeente Enschede.

Increased wildfire risk: stay alert

Due to ongoing dry conditions, the Twente Safety Region has declared Phase 2 of the wildfire risk level. This means that the risk of wildfires is elevated and that fires can spread rapidly.

We ask everyone to be extra careful with fire and potential ignition sources. Barbecuing is not permitted. Open fires, fire baskets and torches can also pose a risk and should be avoided.

Please do not leave cigarette butts or waste in nature, and report smoke, fire or other suspicious situations immediately by calling 112. If these situations occur on campus, please also call (053-489)2222, so campus security is aware of this and can help the emergency services find their way.

For students

Despite the heat, exams will be taking place as usual. The buildings are air-conditioned, but we cannot completely prevent the exam halls from getting hot. Please bear this in mind and bring enough to drink for during the exams.

We realise that student rooms may be very hot. The study areas in the UT buildings are available for studying during opening hours. In addition, the Vrijhof will be open from 10:00-22:00h on Saturday and Sunday due to the exam weeks.

For colleagues

It can get quite hot in some buildings, even though they are being kept as cool as possible. Where necessary, discuss with your manager whether, due to the heat, it might be possible to continue working from home later in the day, or to search for a cooler place to do the work.

Take care of yourself and others!

More recent news

News summary