Belgium’s inter-regional environment cell (CELINE) re-entered the ‘warning’ phase of its extreme-heat and ozone-peak plan on Saturday after forecasts showed the five-day temperature index surpassing the 25 °C threshold. The move, announced less than 48 hours after the previous warning was lifted, signals that public-transport operators must activate heat protocols ranging from slower train speeds on older tracks to reduced aircraft payloads during midday peaks. The Royal Meteorological Institute expects temperatures in Brussels to hit 28 °C on Monday, with inland areas likely to touch 32 °C by mid-week. While ozone concentrations remain within EU norms, SNCB/NMBS has already reduced maximum train speeds by 20 km/h on several non-electrified stretches to prevent rail buckle, adding minor delays on routes between Brussels and Luxembourg. Brussels Airport says it will schedule additional runway inspections and may impose weight restrictions on fully-booked long-haul departures if tarmac temperatures exceed 50 °C. The heatwave has public-health as well as mobility implications. A Reuters tally released on Friday put Belgium’s excess mortality during the late-June heatwave at roughly 1,200 deaths – an unprecedented figure that spurred authorities to re-evaluate contingency planning for vulnerable travellers. Eurostar and Thalys have issued guidance advising passengers to carry at least one litre of water, and De Lijn is running older coastal trams with windows that open fully, prioritising ventilation over air-conditioning. For multinational employers, the key takeaway is risk mitigation. Duty-of-care teams should update travel policies to include heat-stress guidelines, confirm that meeting venues have adequate cooling, and advise staff to allow extra journey time. CELINE warns that if forecast maxima rise further, the plan could be escalated to the ‘alert’ phase, triggering even stricter mobility restrictions.
Source: The Brussels Times
