Belgian heat wave triggers health alerts and farmer warnings

A prolonged heat wave has swept across Belgium, with daytime temperatures reaching 30‑35 °C and a code‑yellow thunderstorm warning issued for Flanders. Health authorities advise people to stay hydrated, avoid the midday sun and watch for heat‑exhaustion symptoms such as sudden fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, rapid pulse, heavy sweating and cold, clammy skin. They recommend drinking about one litre of water per hour and seeking cool places; if symptoms persist for more than an hour, medical care is needed.

In the agricultural sector, grape growers in Overijse report that greenhouse temperatures can exceed 40 °C, threatening fruit quality. They are whitening greenhouse covers, irrigating during the hottest periods, and warning that grapes may desiccate and turn into raisins.

Experts also note that widespread use of air‑conditioning can cut heat‑related deaths by up to 60 %, though political debate in Belgium questions its environmental impact. The combined health and economic warnings underscore the seriousness of the current heat wave.