25 June 2026

The KNMI has issued a 'Code Red' for extreme heat. Due to a combination of high temperatures and humidity, the heat feels unpleasant and stifling. This affects your concentration and well-being. Leiden University has decided not to implement a full closure due to the Code Red alert. The FSW buildings will remain open. Working in such high temperatures requires appropriate measures to be taken.

Flexibility regarding work/study locations and times

• Choose a workspace that is comfortable and cool. Do you have a cool workspace at home? If so, please consider this option, so that the cooler workspaces in the building remain available for staff and students who do not have one. Discuss this with your line manager.
• Do you work in the office in the Agora building? Start on time. In the event of a Code Red, the building opens at 6.00 am.
• Move to a lower floor and/or a cooler workspace if necessary, and where possible on the side not facing the sun.

Practical tips for a cooler working day

• At the start of the working day, open the windows and, as far as possible, the room doors straight away; the still relatively cool air from outside can then replace the warm air that has built up over the past day.
• As soon as it gets warmer outside than inside, close all the windows to ensure that the ‘cooler’ air inside isn’t displaced by the warm air from outside. This may seem paradoxical, but it really does work best.
• Drink plenty of water and wear light, breathable clothing.
• Don’t skip your breaks, and during breaks, seek out shady and cool spots.

Would you like to find out more about how best to cope with the current heatwave? Then take a look at the KNMI website. We would like to urge everyone to follow their advice, so that we can get through these days as well as possible.

Exams, teaching and lecture theatres

At Leiden University, exams will go ahead as planned on Friday 26 June 2026 in the event of a Code Red, unless one of the Examination Boards decides otherwise. Large examination halls are air-conditioned.

During hot spells, lecturers are asked, where possible, to assess for themselves whether the teaching room is suitable when temperatures are too high. Where necessary and practicable, you may consider:

• Moving the class to a cooler room (in consultation with the timetable coordinators and/or the service desk). 
• Delivering the session online.
• Shortening the session or, in consultation with the timetable department, rescheduling it for a cooler time. 
• Ensure you inform your students of any changes in good time, via Brightspace or other usual channels.

Students

Are you a student? Keep a close eye on announcements on Brightspace. Any changes to teaching arrangements will be communicated via Brightspace.