Belgium heatwave forces cancellation of Waterloo battle reenactment

Belgium recorded its hottest day of the year with temperatures reaching 35.3 °C, while nearby parts of the Netherlands saw 36.6 °C. The extreme heat triggered orange alerts nationwide and red warnings in the Liège and Limburg provinces. As a result, authorities cancelled the annual Waterloo battle reenactment that draws thousands of visitors, postponed the Defqon.1 electronic‑music festival in the Netherlands, and suspended several public‑transport services. Infrabel reduced the speed limit on the high‑speed line between Brussels and Paris from 300 km/h to 170 km/h, and the regional bus operator TEC halted many routes lacking air‑conditioning. Meteorologists warned that the heatwave will continue for several days, urging the public to stay hydrated and protect vulnerable groups.