Heat action day on June 2, 2025

May 2025

June 2, 2025 is Heat Action Day. This day focuses on the effects of heat on humans and how to protect against it.

History

In 2022, the Red Cross first declared a heat action day in June. This year, the Netherlands is also paying attention to the day for the first time. In 2025, Heat Action Day falls on June 2. Each year there is a special theme; this year it is recognizing heat exhaustion and heat stroke. More information can also be found on the American Red Cross website .

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion

The Red Cross has conveniently listed the most important information in this video.

Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat injury. Characteristics include a high body temperature (over 40°C) and neurological symptoms such as vomiting and a stabbing headache. This can be life-threatening, and in case of heat stroke, 112 should be called. Furthermore, it is important that the person be cooled aggressively, such as by a cold bath or with cold towels that are changed regularly. Increasingly, TARP cooling is used: this involves wrapping the overheated person in a cloth with water to cool quickly.

The term heat exhaustion is used when a person is severely fatigued by the heat and starts making mistakes. In this case, the person should also immediatelyh stop exertion and provide cooling.

Activities in the Netherlands

Activities are being organized throughout the country to raise awareness about the risks of heat. For example, the "Sweating is Knowing" knowledge day is taking place in Rotterdam, and action network GasTerug is organizing a networking event in Amsterdam.

An up-to-date overview of all activities on June 2 can be found in the Together Climate Resistant collection document.

GoHot project

At GoHot we study how heat and other environmental factors, such as pollen, affect health. On Heat Action Day, we like to connect with this by drawing extra attention to the risks of heat and how you can protect yourself.