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Belgium Braces for intense Heat Wave: Code Orange Issued
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Belgium is set to swelter under an intense heat wave, prompting authorities to issue a code orange warning for Tuesday and Wednesday. Temperatures are expected to climb between 24 and 36 degrees Celsius (75 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit),potentially triggering the first official heat wave of the year. Residents are urged to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the extreme heat.
Impending Heat wave Details
Meteorologist Frank Deboosere warns that while “today and Monday we see the most pleasant warmth, but on Tuesday and certainly wednesday a moist warmest will come to us.” The criteria for a heat wave in Belgium include five consecutive days above 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit),with at least three of those days exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). Given the forecast, there is a high probability that thes conditions will be met [1].
Did You Know? Heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense globally due to climate change, posing significant risks to public health.
Government Response and Recommendations
In response to the impending heat, the government has activated the warning phase of the Flemish heat action plan. This initiative aims to provide guidance and support to individuals, ensuring they take appropriate measures to mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures. The government advises citizens to drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun, limit strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day, keep homes cool, and check on vulnerable individuals [2].
The FPS Public Health coordinates with the National Crisis Center to implement measures to control the consequences of heat on public health. As 2005, Belgium has maintained a national ozone and heat plan, consisting of vigilance, warning, and alarm phases.
Tropical Days and Nights Expected
The upcoming heat wave is also
