Heatwave Alert: How to Stay Safe During Extreme Heat & Avoid Crowded Events

Belgian authorities have issued warnings against large gatherings this weekend as a heatwave sweeps the country, with regional officials expressing particular concern over festivals, sporting events, and public meetings. The National Crisis Center reported holding an emergency session on Wednesday to address the situation, according to La Libre.be. The warnings come as temperatures in parts of the Flemish Brabant province and Brussels-Villes have exceeded 32°C, with meteorologists forecasting sustained high-pressure systems through the weekend.

The heatwave has prompted the activation of a “phase d’alerte” by federal authorities, as detailed in Le Soir. This classification, which includes restrictions on outdoor activities and heightened monitoring of vulnerable populations, follows a 24-hour period of temperatures reaching 34°C in Marche-en-Famenne and 33°C in Spa. Regional officials in the Flemish Brabant province emphasized that “the combination of high humidity and prolonged sun exposure poses a significant risk to public health,” citing data from the Royal Meteorological Institute.

Local governments have begun implementing measures to mitigate the impact of the heat. In Brussels-Villes, city officials announced the temporary closure of several public parks and the installation of additional water stations. RTL Info reported that “nights are already tropical in urban areas,” with temperatures in Brussels remaining above 22°C even after sunset. This has led to concerns about heat-related illnesses, particularly among elderly residents and outdoor workers.

The National Crisis Center’s recommendations, outlined in a statement published by La Libre.be, include avoiding prolonged sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., staying hydrated, and checking on neighbors who may be at risk. The center also advised organizers of large events to consider rescheduling or relocating activities to shaded areas. “We are urging all citizens to take these precautions seriously,” said a spokesperson for the center, citing a 15% increase in heat-related emergency calls compared to the same period last year.

Regional health authorities have expanded cooling centers in several municipalities, including Antwerp and Ghent. DHnet reported that over 200 such facilities are operational, with priority given to individuals without air conditioning. In the Flemish Brabant province, local governments have partnered with community organizations to distribute free water and sunscreen to travelers and event attendees.

Despite the warnings, some festivals and sporting events have proceeded as planned. The Brussels-based Marche-en-Famenne music festival, which typically draws thousands of attendees, announced on Thursday that it would proceed but with reduced hours and additional shaded seating. Organizers stated they would monitor weather conditions closely and adjust plans if necessary. Similar adjustments were noted at the Spa-Francorchamps racing circuit, where officials added misting stations and extended indoor rest areas.

Public health experts have emphasized the importance of individual responsibility during the heatwave. Dr. Liesbeth Van der Meer, a spokesperson for the Belgian Medical Association, told 7sur7.be that “the body’s ability to regulate temperature diminishes in extreme heat, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.” She recommended that citizens avoid alcohol and heavy meals during peak hours and seek medical attention if symptoms such as dizziness or nausea occur.

The current heatwave is part of a broader pattern of extreme weather events observed across Europe this summer. According to the European Environment Agency, 2026 has already seen 18% more heatwaves compared to the 1991–2020 average. Belgian meteorologists have linked the recent surge to shifting jet stream patterns, though they noted that long-term climate projections remain uncertain.

As of June 23, the National Crisis Center continues to monitor the situation, with updates expected by late Friday. Residents are encouraged to check local government websites for real-time advisories and to avoid non-essential travel during the hottest parts of the day. “This is a test of our preparedness for increasingly frequent extreme weather events,” said a spokesperson for the Flemish government. “We are committed to protecting public health while balancing economic and cultural activities.”