Orange heat alert extended as Belgium faces an escalating heatwave
The Royal Meteorological Institute (IRM) has extended an orange heat alert over most of Belgium as a heat dome pushes temperatures to 35°C and above through the weekend. Night temperatures remain dangerously high, preventing recovery — especially for elderly people, children, outdoor workers and those with chronic health conditions.
An orange IRM alert is a serious public-safety threshold. High daytime temperatures combined with elevated overnight lows prevent the body from recovering across consecutive days. The warning covers nearly the entire country. With 37°C forecast for Wednesday and Thursday and peaks of 39°C inland by the weekend, this is not a routine summer advisory — it is a multi-day health emergency for vulnerable groups. The National Crisis Centre has published recommendations urging people to stay cool, stay hydrated, check on neighbours, and avoid outdoor activity during peak heat hours.
The IRM orange heat alert indicates a multi-day public health risk. Orange is the third of four alert levels (green → yellow → orange → red) and activates crisis-centre safety protocols across .
Impact
Regional — The alert spans most of Belgium, with the highest temperatures expected inland in Wallonia and in the southern and eastern Flemish provinces. Brussels is also under the orange threshold. Coastal areas may see slightly lower peak values but are not exempt. The IRM forecast shows this pattern persisting until at least Sunday, when storm risk may bring relief.
Who, where and what
Key people, places and terms in this story
country covered by the heat alert and crisis-centre safety protocols
inland area where the highest temperatures are expected
area under the orange threshold
extended an orange heat alert over most of Belgium
published recommendations for staying safe during the heatwave
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country covered by the heat alert and crisis-centre safety protocols
inland area where the highest temperatures are expected
area under the orange threshold
extended an orange heat alert over most of Belgium
published recommendations for staying safe during the heatwave
indicates a multi-day public health risk
Sources & evidence
- View sourceRoyal Meteorological Institute of Belgium (IRM) — Heat AlertPrimaryprimary· meteo.be· 23 June 2026Retrieved 23 June 2026· 101 days agodate verified· Dated
- View sourceIRM — Multi-day forecast (heat dome)corroborating· meteo.be· 23 June 2026Retrieved 23 June 2026· 101 days agodate verified· Dated
- View sourceNational Crisis Centre / BE-Alert — Heatwave recommendationscorroborating· be-alert.be· 23 June 2026Retrieved 23 June 2026· 101 days agodate verified· Dated
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This briefing was prepared with AI assistance and reviewed by a Belgium Impulse editor before publication. methodology.