Brussels Activates Heatwave Measures as New Heatwave Hits

Brussels authorities have activated reinforced heatwave protocols as a new period of intense heat descends on the Belgian capital, with ministers warning that extreme temperatures have become “a genuine public health issue.” The measures come just ten days after a devastating June heatwave that caused an unprecedented 39% excess mortality across Belgium.

Ministers Ahmed Laaouej (Social Action) and Dirk De Smedt (Health) announced on Wednesday that the “reinforced vigilance phase” — first activated at the end of May — would continue, with a coordinated response involving emergency services, cooling centers, water distribution for homeless populations, and health warnings for vulnerable residents, as reported by La Libre Belgique.

Context: A Summer of Extreme Heat

The new heatwave follows a June heatwave that authorities have described as “exceptional” and “without precedent” for Belgium. According to provisional data from the Federal Public Service Health, the June 18-29 heatwave resulted in a 39% excess mortality rate — 1,222 additional deaths — the highest daily death toll since the first wave of COVID-19.

The peak came on Saturday, June 27, when 572 deaths were recorded in a single day. Of the excess deaths, 530 were among those aged 85 and older, while 180 were among people under 65, indicating significant impact across all age groups. The heatwave featured seven consecutive tropical days with temperatures exceeding 30°C and abnormally warm nights.

Measures Announced

The reinforced vigilance phase involves daily monitoring of the situation, regular communication with field actors, and letters sent to municipalities, social welfare centers (CPAS), healthcare facilities, and operators to maintain their systems fully operational throughout the summer. Key partner organizations include Vivalis (public health), Iriscare (social protection), New Samusocial (emergency aid for the homeless), Bruss’Help (homeless support), Safe.Brussels (public security coordination), and Bruxelles Environnement.

Cooling centers have been opened across the region, and water distribution points have been established for homeless populations. Health warnings have been issued to the public, with particular emphasis on vulnerable groups: the elderly, isolated persons, people in precarious situations, the homeless, those with chronic illnesses, and residents of care facilities.

“Heatwaves have now become a genuine public health issue. Our responsibility is to anticipate, coordinate, and protect,” the ministers said in a joint statement. “We call on all our partners today to continue this mobilization in order to guarantee a coordinated, coherent, and clear response for citizens, with particular attention to the most vulnerable.”

Prevention Advice and Infrastructure

Authorities are urging residents to adopt essential preventive measures: drinking water regularly even without feeling thirsty, avoiding physical exertion during the hottest hours, seeking cool places, keeping homes cool, and checking on neighbors and isolated persons.

Brussels operates a multi-layered heatwave response system. At the regional level, coordination is led by Safe.Brussels. Each commune has its own heatwave plan — the City of Brussels activates its “Plan Canicule” when temperatures exceed 28°C for three consecutive days. The region has mapped “cool islands” including parks, shaded areas, and underground metro and pre-metro stations where residents can seek relief. A free helpline (0800 35 550) is available for isolated or vulnerable persons.

Interministerial Coordination

An Interministerial Public Health Conference was scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, to allow federal, community, and regional authorities to assess the evolving situation, ensure close coordination of prevention measures, and adapt protection systems if necessary. The coordination follows the inter-federal recommendations of the Risk Management Group (RMG).

Looking Ahead

The back-to-back heatwaves — the June event and now a new episode in early July — raise concerns about cumulative health impacts, particularly for vulnerable populations with limited recovery time between extreme heat events. The June mortality data has put significant political pressure on authorities to strengthen heatwave preparedness.

Ministers Laaouej and De Smedt’s statement signals a shift toward treating heatwaves as a permanent public health challenge requiring year-round preparedness infrastructure, rather than exceptional events. With climate projections suggesting more frequent and intense heatwaves for Western Europe, Brussels’ heatwave response systems are likely to face continued scrutiny and demands for expansion.

Questions remain about whether the current “reinforced vigilance” framework is sufficient, given that it was already active during the June heatwave that produced 1,222 excess deaths. The outcome of Wednesday’s Interministerial Conference may provide answers about what additional measures are being considered.