Weather & Environment
Extreme Weather Hits China: Heatwave and Floods Test Cities
China faces simultaneous heatwave and extreme rainfall as Typhoon White Dolphin floods Henan, testing urban resilience amid climate shifts.
—6 min read
Tag
#Heatwave
101 articles
Culture
Brussels Flower Carpet Survives Heatwave, Spectacle Intact
Brussels' iconic flower carpet on the Grand-Place endured a heatwave that stressed its 750,000 dahlias, yet drew 20,800 visitors before dismantling.
—4 min read
Weather and Climate
Belgium Enters Third Heatwave; Bus Strike, Drought Follow
Belgium enters its third national heatwave with record temperatures, triggering a TEC bus strike in Hainaut and safety adjustments across the country.
—5 min read
Climate & Weather
Floods and Heatwaves: Weather Shocks Hit Europe and Asia
Record floods in Japan and a historic European heatwave strike simultaneously, highlighting accelerating climate disruption across the globe.
—6 min read
Emergency
Wildfire in Wellin Contained but Not Fully Extinguished
A wildfire in Wellin, Luxembourg province, burned 40 hectares and is contained but not extinguished. Firefighters face days of work amid drought.
—4 min read
Weather
Belgium Heatwave: Code Orange as Temperatures Hit 35°C
Belgium faces third heatwave with code orange warnings for multiple provinces as temperatures reach 35°C, with even hotter conditions expected Friday.
—4 min read
Weather
Belgium Heatwave: Code Orange as Temperatures Hit 35°C
Belgium faces fourth heatwave of summer with code orange warnings, 35°C temperatures, drought impacts on waterways, and record North Sea marine heatwave.
—5 min read
Weather & Climate
Belgium Braces for Extreme Drought as Heat Persists
Belgium prepares for extreme drought as temperatures rise and no rain is forecast. Water restrictions and climate concerns grow across the country.
—7 min read
Climate & Environment
Van Ypersele: Climate Prevention Costs Less Than Cure
Belgian climatologist Jean-Pascal van Ypersele argues prevention is cheaper than cure as Belgium faces record heatwave deaths and severe drought.
—6 min read
InfrastructureHealthcare
95% of Belgian Care Homes, Hospitals Need Heat Renovation
Belgian Construction Federation warns 95% of care homes and hospitals need heat-resistant renovation as country faces second heatwave.
—5 min read
Climate & Environment
Why Belgian Tap Water Isn't Cold Anymore: Climate Impact
Belgians are finding their cold tap water isn't cold during record heatwaves. Experts explain the causes, health risks, and what to do.
—5 min read
Culture & Entertainment
Belgian Cinema Attendance Rises Amid Heatwave, Blockbusters
Belgian cinemas see attendance surge as heatwave drives audiences indoors and blockbusters like Nolan's L'Odyssée draw crowds back to theaters.
—4 min read
SafetyChina
China Warns of E-Bike Charging Risks Amid Extreme Heat
Chinese authorities warn of e-bike charging fire risks during extreme heat, citing thermal runaway dangers when batteries exceed 60°C.
—4 min read
Weather & Environment
Belgium's Drought Crisis Deepens Amid Severe Heatwave
Belgium faces severe drought: trees losing leaves, Christmas tree losses up to 100%, meadow fires, warm tap water, and no new Walloon measures.
—6 min read
SportsBelgium
Dodentocht Organizers Cautious on Heat Shortening
Dodentocht organizers say there's no point speculating about shortening the 100km walk due to heat, with a security services meeting set for Tuesday.
—4 min read
EnergyEconomy
China's Electricity Load Hits Record High Again This Summer
China's electricity load hit a record 1.557 billion kW on August 7, the fourth all-time high this summer amid heatwaves and economic growth.
—6 min read
Weather
Belgium Confirms Second National Heatwave of 2026
Belgium's second national heatwave of 2026 is officially confirmed as temperatures hit 30.1°C in Ukkel, with thunderstorms expected as the heat breaks.
—4 min read
WeatherClimate
Belgium Heatwave: Code Orange, Drought Crisis
Belgium faces code orange heat warning with temperatures to 36°C as drought cripples agriculture and threatens water supplies across Europe.
—6 min read
HealthSociety
Nursing Home Air Conditioning: Rates Could Rise Without Aid
Belgian nursing homes warn heat-adaptation costs could push up residents' rates without public support. Ministers weigh subsidies as heatwaves intensify.
—4 min read
HealthSociety
Flemish Care Homes Seek Higher Rates for AC Investments
Private care homes in Flanders request higher daily rates for AC after a deadly heatwave. Minister Gennez pushes back, exploring alternative subsidies.
—4 min read
SocietyWeather
Anderlecht Tenants Trapped in Heat During Renovation
Record heat meets renovation safety rules in Brussels' largest social housing complex, leaving 4,000 Peterbos residents trapped in sweltering apartments.
—4 min read
WeatherDisaster
Belgium Scorches at 35°C as Wildfire Rages in Tielt-Winge
Belgium experiences its hottest day at 35°C while a youth-started wildfire in Tielt-Winge highlights extreme fire danger amid severe drought conditions.
—5 min read
Daily News RoundupPolitics
Belgium Daily Roundup: Economy Stalls, NATO Spy Held
Top Belgian stories: zero economic growth, Canadian intern held at NATO for espionage, severe heatwave, WWII deportation lawsuit.
—5 min read
EntertainmentBelgium
Esperanzah Festival Gets Green Light with Extra Firefighters
The Esperanzah music festival in Belgium will proceed with extra firefighters on site to mitigate wildfire risk amid severe drought conditions.
—4 min read
HealthBelgium
Belgium Heatwave Crisis: Highest Excess Mortality in Europe
Belgium recorded Europe's highest excess mortality during the June 2026 heatwave, with 2,000 excess deaths, sparking a national debate on preparedness.
—4 min read
HealthBelgium
Belgium Faces O-Negative and B-Negative Blood Shortage
Red Cross Flanders warns of critical shortages in O-negative and B-negative blood as a heatwave drives up demand while donation rates drop by 15%.
—4 min read
ClimateBelgium
Van Ypersele: 'I Am Furious' About 20-Year Climate Delay
Belgian climate scientist Jean-Pascal van Ypersele declares fury over 20 years of delayed climate policy as deadly heatwaves claim over 2,000 lives.
—4 min read
Weather & EnvironmentEurope
Europe Heatwave Disaster: Wildfires, Drought Grip Continent
Europe faces a climate emergency as wildfires force over 200,000 evacuations and drought linked to climate change devastates rivers and crops.
—6 min read
HealthClimate
June 27: Second Deadliest Day of Century in Belgium Heatwave
June 27, 2026 was the second deadliest day of the 21st century in Belgium, with ~650 deaths. A heatwave caused 48% excess mortality and 2,000 deaths.
—4 min read
WeatherChina
Heavy Rain and Heatwaves Grip China as Extreme Weather Hits
Southern China faces persistent heavy rainfall, northern regions battle thunderstorms, and Chongqing swelters in a record-breaking heatwave.
—4 min read
HealthWeather
Belgium Heatwave Led to 44 More Suspicious Deaths in June
Belgium's June heatwave caused 44 more suspicious deaths requiring forensic investigation. Extreme heat and risky behavior cited as factors.
—4 min read
EnvironmentClimate
Flanders Heat Risks: New Study Reveals Stark Inequalities
A new VITO heat map reveals stark inequalities in heat risk across Flemish municipalities after Belgium's deadliest heatwave caused 2,000 excess deaths.
—4 min read
SocietyEnvironment
Belgian Towns Cancel National Day Fireworks Amid Heatwave
Heatwave and drought force Belgian towns to cancel National Day fireworks. Provincial governors ban open fires across Hainaut, Namur, and East Flanders.
—4 min read
TravelTourism
Walloon Tourism Off to a Strong Start This Summer Season
Wallonia reports a positive start to the summer tourism season, with strong visitor numbers driven by sunny weather and mixed impacts from the heatwave.
—4 min read
Weather & EnvironmentHealth
Belgium Heatwave: 2,000 Deaths, Water Bans, Coastal Crisis
Belgium faces a triple crisis: record 2,000 heatwave deaths, expanding water bans in Antwerp, and 53 coastal rescues amid extreme weather.
—4 min read
WeatherEnvironment
Record Heatwave Sweeps China as 40-Day Dog Days Begin
China enters its hottest period as 20 provinces face scorching temperatures above 40°C, pushing Chongqing's power grid to a record 30.67m kW load.
—5 min read
HealthEnvironment
Walloon Minister Launches Health Reform After Deadly Heat
After a record heatwave killed 1,747 in Belgium, Walloon Minister Coppieters launches iciSanté reform to reorganize primary care.
—4 min read
EnvironmentAgriculture
Belgian Harvests a Month Early as Climate Reshapes Farming
Belgian harvests arrive up to a month earlier than 40 years ago due to climate change, with heatwaves accelerating crop maturation and raising fire risks.
—4 min read
WeatherHealth
Belgium Braces for Second Heatwave After Deadliest June
Belgium faces its second heatwave of summer 2026 after 1,747 excess deaths in June. Emergency doctors warn all age groups to take precautions.
—4 min read
Environment
Wildfire Destroys Eight Hectares in Mechels Bos Reserve
A wildfire in Belgium's Mechels Bos nature reserve destroyed eight hectares of woodland. Firefighters brought the blaze under control amid a heatwave.
—4 min read
DisasterHealth
Europe Heatwaves Linked to Thousands of Excess Deaths
Severe heatwaves across Europe since May 2026 have caused over 13,000 excess deaths, overwhelming healthcare systems and highlighting climate threats.
—5 min read
Health
Belgium Braces for Second Heatwave After Deadliest June
Emergency doctors warn Belgians as a second heatwave arrives after June's record 1,747 excess deaths. Young people urged not to underestimate danger.
—4 min read
InternationalWeather
France Heatwave: 37 Departments on Red Alert, 26M Affected
France expands red alert to 37 departments as third heatwave in two months grips the country. Temperatures hit 40°C, Tour de France shortened.
—5 min read
EnvironmentDisasters
Wallonia Bans All Fires as Drought Sparks Forest Blaze
All five Walloon provinces ban open fires, fireworks, and campfires amid extreme drought. A pine forest in Namur has burned. 32 arrested in France.
—5 min read
HealthEnvironment
Heat Deaths in Wallonia Double Flanders, Study Reveals
Belgium's deadliest heatwave killed 1,747 people; Wallonia had 76% excess mortality versus 31% in Flanders, prompting calls for region-specific plans.
—5 min read
Accidents & Safety
Two Young Belgians Drown as Heatwave Drives Water Deaths
Two young Belgian men drowned in separate incidents in Limburg, as the 2026 European heatwave drives swimmers to dangerous, unsupervised open water.
—4 min read
International CrimeEurope
France Arrests 32 Suspected of Starting Wildfires
French authorities arrest 32 people across 22 departments suspected of starting wildfires amid a historic heatwave and severe drought.
—4 min read
Local NewsClimate
Brussels Launches Cool-Spot Map as Francophone Communes Lag
Brussels launches an interactive map of cool spots during a deadly heatwave, but other Francophone communes have yet to follow suit.
—5 min read
PoliticsClimate
Ecolo MP Slams Francken's 'Criminal' Heatwave Remarks
Ecolo MP Stéphane Hazée calls Theo Francken's 'beer, pool, BBQ' heatwave advice criminal as Belgium records 1,747 excess deaths.
—4 min read
Climate & EnvironmentScience
Scientists Look to Dinosaur Era for Answers on Global Heat
As extreme heatwaves grip the globe, scientists study Cretaceous-era rock cores from China's Songliao Basin to understand ancient climate survival.
—6 min read
Weather & EnvironmentHealth
Belgium Heatwave: Code Yellow Extended, Water Crisis Deepens
Belgium faces a new heatwave with Code Yellow extended through Sunday. Wallonia struggles with water shortages as 1,747 excess deaths are confirmed.
—4 min read
WeatherHealth
Brussels Activates Heatwave Measures as New Heatwave Hits
Brussels activates heatwave protocols as intense heat returns, weeks after a June heatwave caused 1,222 excess deaths in Belgium.
—4 min read
WeatherEnvironment
Wildfires Ravage Southern Europe as Heatwave Sparks Crisis
Nearly 6,000 hectares burn in France, three Spanish regions on red alert as extreme heat fuels devastating wildfires across Western Europe.
—4 min read
PoliticsHealth
Belgium's 1733 Emergency Number Sparks Cabinet Clash
Belgian Health Minister Vandenbroucke seeks to transfer emergency number 1733 from Interior to Health after heatwave failures.
—5 min read
InternationalEnvironment
Wildfires Rage Across Southern Europe as Heatwave Grips
A new wildfire in southern France destroys 930 hectares as Costa Brava lockdown lifts. Portugal battles a massive blaze amid an intense heatwave.
—5 min read
Weather & EnvironmentChina
China's Turpan Hits 50.7°C as Extreme Heatwave Hits Xinjiang
Extreme heatwave pushes Xinjiang past 50°C for first time in 2026 as southern China endures prolonged humid heat and Typhoon Maysak.
—4 min read
Weather & EnvironmentScience
China: Typhoon, Heatwave, Flood Relief, Arctic Expedition
Typhoon Maysak weakens after hitting Hainan; rare heatwave grips Xinjiang and Gansu. China ramps up flood control and launches Arctic expedition.
—4 min read
EconomySociety & Culture
Chinese Mobile ACs Surge in Europe Amid Trade Tensions
Chinese mobile ACs sell out across Europe as a record heatwave drives demand, challenging EU trade narratives and exposing Europe's cooling gap.
—5 min read
PoliticsEnvironment
Ecolo Demands Climate Action After Heatwave Kills 1,222
Ecolo MP Gilles Vanden Burre calls on Climate Minister Jean-Luc Crucke to do much more after a heatwave caused 1,222 excess deaths in Belgium.
—4 min read
WeatherClimate
Belgium Braces for New Heatwave After Record June Event
Belgium faces another potential heatwave starting July 6, just days after a 12-day June heatwave caused 1,222 excess deaths and political controversy.
—4 min read
PoliticsBelgium
Theo Francken Breaks Silence on Swimming Pool Controversy
Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken speaks out on the swimming pool row, criticising a 'communist jealousy state' and defending his heatwave comments.
—4 min read
HealthPolitics
Belgium Heatwave: 1,222 Dead as Political Backlash Grows
Belgium reports 1,222 heat-related deaths from a June heatwave, sparking political fury as opposition leaders accuse the government of inaction.
—5 min read
EconomyTechnology
China's Supply Chain Helps Europe Survive Record Heatwave
Europe's record heatwave drives surging demand for AC units. Chinese manufacturers deliver innovative cooling solutions through robust supply chains.
—6 min read
Weather & SocietyEconomy
AC Installers Overwhelmed as Belgium Heatwave Drives Demand
Belgian AC installers are overwhelmed with over 40 requests daily as a record heatwave drives demand to unprecedented levels, with 6-8 week waits.
—4 min read
Social AffairsPolitics
Heatwave Fury: Belgian Advocate Warns 'We Will Count Dead'
Belgian anti-poverty advocate Christine Mahy blasts political 'carelessness' as a 12-day heatwave overwhelms emergency services.
—4 min read
Energy & EnvironmentEconomy
Belgium Set to Break Electricity Import Record Amid Heatwave
Belgium imported 12.5 TWh of electricity in H1 2026, on track to break the annual record as heatwave drives demand and nuclear phase-out reduces supply.
—5 min read
Weather & ClimateEnvironment
June 2026 Was 3°C Warmer Than Normal in Belgium
June 2026 in Belgium was 3.1°C warmer than normal, marking the 17th consecutive warm month. A 12-day heatwave shattered records across the country.
—5 min read
TransportWeather
Only Half of LeTec Buses Have AC as Heatwave Hits Wallonia
As temperatures hit 40°C in Belgium, data reveals just 53% of LeTec buses in Wallonia have AC, forcing service suspensions and raising safety concerns.
—4 min read
Social AffairsWeather
Belgian Scouts Adapt Camps as Heatwave Threatens Safety
As Belgium faces a new heatwave, scout leaders adapt summer camps with modified schedules, hydration protocols, and fire safety measures.
—4 min read
WeatherEconomy
Belgium Counts Heatwave Cost: Excess Deaths, Energy Spikes
Belgium faces the aftermath of a 12-day heatwave: rising at-home deaths, electricity prices nearing 600 euros, and a half-billion-euro economic hit.
—5 min read
Weather & EnvironmentChina
Heavy Rain Hits Southern China as North Braces for Heatwave
Southern China faces a new round of heavy rainfall while northern regions brace for extreme heat, with Turpan potentially reaching 49°C.
—4 min read
Accidents and DisastersBelgium
Power Outage at CHU Liège: Emergency Systems Activated
A power outage struck CHU Liège hospital amid a European heatwave. Backup generators activated; no injuries were reported.
—4 min read
Energy & EnvironmentEconomy
Europe's Oldest Nuclear Plant Shuts Down Amid Heatwave
A severe heatwave forces shutdown of Europe's oldest nuclear plant and three French reactors, raising questions about climate vulnerability.
—5 min read
Weather & HealthEconomy
Belgium Heatwave: Hospitals Overwhelmed, Economy Loses €500M
A severe heatwave gripping Belgium has overwhelmed hospitals, cost the economy over €500M, and sparked controversy at the European Commission.
—5 min read
WeatherClimate
Heatwave Gives Way to Violent Storms Across Belgium
Record-breaking heat gives way to violent storms across Belgium. Emergency calls surge 40% as the country faces hail, flooding, and healthcare strain.
—4 min read
Daily News DigestBelgium
Belgium Heatwave, BTS Mania, and New Laws: June 27 Roundup
Belgium faces storms after a historic heatwave, 14 Flemish hospitals risk closure, BTS brings 120,000 fans to Brussels, and new traffic fines loom.
—5 min read
WeatherChina
Heavy Rain Hits Southern China as North Braces for Heatwave
Guangxi and Yunnan face persistent rainfall while northern China braces for a weekend heatwave affecting nearly ten provinces.
—4 min read
TransportEconomy
Letec in Crisis: Heatwave, Breakdown, and Austerity
Walloon bus operator Letec faces heatwave disruptions, customer service collapse, and a new austerity contract demanding 20M in savings.
—4 min read
WeatherDisaster
Belgium Battles Historic Heatwave as Temperatures Hit 40°C
Belgium swelters under a record-breaking heatwave with Code Red alerts, cancelled events, suspended waste collection, and alarming health warnings.
—4 min read
WeatherHealth
Belgium Heatwave: Code Red, Hospitals Cancel Surgeries
Belgium's severe heatwave triggers code red warnings, hospital surgery cancellations due to overheated servers and climate refuges across Brussels.
—4 min read
PoliticsSafety
CD&V Proposes Mandatory Baby Alarms After Hot Car Deaths
After three toddlers died in hot cars in France amid a heatwave, Belgium's CD&V party proposes mandatory anti-abandonment alarm systems in vehicles.
—4 min read
Society
Teen Drownings in Belgian Quarry Renew Lake Drainage Calls
Two 17-year-olds drowned in the former Chanxhe quarry in Sprimont, Belgium, renewing the mayor's push to drain the dangerous lake permanently.
—4 min read
Society
Young man critical after illegal swim at Keizerpark in Gent
A young man is fighting for his life after an illegal swim at Keizerpark in Gent during a heatwave, reigniting debate about swimming safety.
—4 min read
Climate & EnvironmentPolitics
Belgium Climate Plan: Cool Spots and Water Fountains
Belgium's Climate Minister Crucke proposes 12 measures to protect citizens from extreme heat, including cool spots and water fountains.
—6 min read
WeatherEnergy
Heatwave Drives Belgian Power Prices to Record €1,038/MWh
Belgium activates heatwave alarm phase as evening electricity prices soar to €658/MWh, with forecasts of €1,038/MWh — the highest ever recorded.
—4 min read
WeatherEurope
Belgium Heatwave: Schools Close, Trains Swelter, Zoo Chills
Belgium faces a severe heatwave up to 37°C. Schools close afternoons, 1 in 5 trains lack AC, zoos give frozen treats, supermarkets slash prices.
—4 min read
WeatherEnvironment
Heatwave Sweeps Belgium and France: Records Shatter
France issues code red in record 35 departments as heatwave grips Belgium and France. Temperatures could reach 42°C with water shortages reported.
—5 min read
Weather
Severe Storms Trigger Mudslides and Lightning in Flanders
A powerful storm swept through West Flanders, triggering mudslides and lightning. Over 26,000 bolts were recorded as Belgium's heatwave turned volatile.
—5 min read
Weather & Disasters
Heatwave Storm: Woman Killed in Netherlands, Man Injured
A severe heatwave turned deadly as violent thunderstorms swept Belgium and the Netherlands, killing a 25-year-old woman and critically injuring a man.
—4 min read
Accidents & Safety
Drowning in Lesse River Claims Life During Belgium Heatwave
A swimmer died in the Lesse River at Houyet, Belgium, during the country's first heatwave of 2026. Firefighters urge caution in unsupervised waters.
—4 min read
TransportWeather
Extra Trains to Belgian Coast as Heatwave Sparks Surge
SNCB adds 26 extra trains to Ostend and Blankenberge this weekend as Belgium swelters through a heatwave, with temperatures reaching 32°C in Brussels.
—4 min read
Weather
Belgium Braces for 35°C Heatwave and Severe Thunderstorms
Belgium faces a tropical heatwave with temperatures up to 35°C as the KMI issues code orange warnings for both heat and severe evening thunderstorms.
—4 min read
Weather
Belgium Braces for Tropical Heat and Severe Thunderstorms
Belgium faces tropical temperatures up to 34°C and a possible heatwave, followed by severe thunderstorms with hail on Friday. Health warnings active.
—4 min read
ClimateEnvironment
Antarctica Heat Record Shattered: 20°C Above Winter Normal
Antarctica recorded 15.4°C on June 6 — the highest winter temperature ever measured on the continent, alarming scientists and accelerating ice melt.
—5 min read
Weather
Belgium Could See First Heatwave of 2026 Next Week
Belgium may experience its first official heatwave of 2026 by next Friday, with temperatures forecast to reach 30°C or more after a rainy weekend.
—5 min read
Weather & Environment
China Heatwave Peaks as Southern Rain Brings Relief and Risk
China's heatwave peaks June 2, affecting over ten provinces, as new rainfall moves into the south bringing relief and potential flood risks.
—4 min read
WeatherEnergy
China Heatwave Drives Record Power Demand as El Niño Looms
Northern China bakes under persistent heatwave while southern regions see record electricity loads. Officials warn summer peak could reach 16 billion kW.
—4 min read
WeatherEurope
Sultry Weather in Belgium with Rising Thunderstorm Risk
Belgium faces several more days of sultry weather with temperatures up to 32°C and increasing thunderstorm chances from Friday through the weekend.
—4 min read
BelgiumWeather
Belgium Records First Tropical Day of 2026 at 30.4°C
Belgium records its first tropical day of 2026 as Ukkel hits 30.4°C, breaking a 41-year daily record. Meteorologists explain the heat dome and forecast.
—4 min read
Weather
Belgium Bakes: Temps Reach 31°C as Warm Spell Persists
Belgium's warm summer weather continues with temperatures reaching 31°C on Pentecost Monday. Tuesday expected to be the hottest day with up to 32°C.
—4 min read
WeatherBelgium
Belgium Set for Tropical Pentecost Weekend with 31°C Inland
Belgium braces for a tropical Pentecost weekend with temperatures up to 31°C inland, while coastal areas stay cooler. UV index to peak at 7.7.
—4 min read