Belgium and Netherlands issue red heat alerts as temperatures near 40 °C

Belgium recorded a record 44 °C in Liège, prompting the Royal Meteorological Institute to issue a red‑code alert for the first time in the city and to activate a national crisis centre that sent SMS warnings, set up a crisis‑management table and advised residents to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity and keep windows closed. Across the Netherlands the KNMI also declared code‑red for large regions, warning of temperatures up to 40 °C, heat‑related health risks and potential thunderstorms.

Local authorities responded with a range of measures: schools and markets were closed or shortened, public transport reduced services and advised passengers to carry water, festivals such as Pinkpop and Barefoot at Sundown postponed events, and venues provided free drinking water, sunscreen and mist cannons. Animal‑care services warned owners to keep pets cool, while water utilities reported a 34 % surge in consumption. Municipalities in both countries rolled out temporary cooling stations and extended opening hours for public buildings to protect vulnerable populations.