As Belgium faces up to the first heatwave of the year, with temperatures reaching up to 32 degrees on Friday, the Red Cross has issued a reminder of the steps people can take to keep their cool.
In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including floods, according to the NGO. A heatwave is a prolonged period of excessive heat, generally 10 degrees or more above average, often combined with excessive humidity.
Temperatures, which are expected to peak at 32 °C on Friday, should fall again as thunderstorms erupt during the night from Friday to Saturday, leaving variable weather in their wake.
On Saturday, intermittent rain and clouds are expected across the country, with a chance of local storms. In the afternoon, the weather will generally become dry, with more clear skies. Highs will still be around 25 °C in the centre of the country, often with a moderate south-westerly wind.
By Sunday, clouds and rain are expected to bring cooler temperatures, with peaks around 21 °C in the centre.
The Brussels Times