Belgium heatwave forces cancellation of 100 daily trains

Belgium declared a nationwide heat alert as a severe heat wave swept the country. The national railway operator SNCB responded by cancelling roughly 100 trains per day from Wednesday through Friday, citing passenger comfort and staff safety. Older rolling stock without air‑conditioning is especially vulnerable to high temperatures, prompting the temporary removal of 200 Sprinter‑type trains and a reduction of peak‑hour commuter services on routes such as Geraardsbergen–Mechelen and Hal–Vilvoorde to one train per hour.

SNCB advised vulnerable travelers to avoid non‑essential journeys, urged all passengers to stay hydrated and check updated schedules via the operator’s app or website, and highlighted the availability of free drinking water at about 100 stations. Similar heat‑related rail disruptions have been reported in France and the United Kingdom, where older trains and infrastructure are also affected.

The alert, issued under Belgium’s national heat plan, is expected to remain in force until at least Sunday, with daytime temperatures projected to exceed 35 °C and ozone levels rising.