Red Cross Warns of Cold Carnival Weekend in the Netherlands

Carnival celebrations are set to start across the Netherlands this weekend, but attendees are being warned to prepare for chilly conditions and potential health risks. The Red Cross is deploying over 820 volunteers to nearly 80 events to provide first aid support as temperatures are forecast to drop as low as freezing overnight.

Cold Weather Forecast

According to Weeronline, daytime highs this weekend will range from 3 to 4 degrees Celsius (37 to 39 degrees Fahrenheit). Temperatures will fall below freezing overnight, increasing the risk of hypothermia. The Red Cross is urging carnival-goers to dress warmly in layers and to eat sufficiently, especially if consuming alcohol.

Hypothermia Awareness

The Red Cross advises being aware of the signs of hypothermia in friends and fellow carnival attendees. Symptoms include sudden, uncontrollable shivering and unusual breathing.

Crowd Control Measures

Several cities are implementing measures to manage large crowds expected during Carnival. In Den Bosch (Oeteldonk), the municipality is using LED screens to provide real-time updates on area congestion. Tilburg (Kruikenstad), Breda (Kielegat), and Maastricht (Mestreech during vastelaovend) are also preparing for high traffic and may implement temporary closures in certain areas. Breda officials have even urged visitors to avoid the city center on Saturday due to extreme crowding.

Regional Festivities and Travel Disruptions

Carnival festivities will be taking place throughout the weekend in towns across Brabant and Limburg, as well as in regions like Twente and parts of Zeeland. The ANWB (Dutch road users’ association) anticipates a busy evening rush hour on Friday due to the start of school holidays in the Zuid and Midden regions and increased travel to winter sports destinations. Traffic jams are expected on roads to ski resorts in Austria, France, and Germany, as well as in Northern Italy due to the Winter Olympics.

Weather Conditions in Noord-Brabant

Meteorologists are forecasting clouds, sunshine, drizzle, and even some snow in Noord-Brabant this weekend, with maximum temperatures not exceeding 5 degrees Celsius.