What is happening
On June 23, 2026, the province of East Flanders, through channels such as the news portal of the City of Ghent, declared an orange alert due to persistent and extreme heat. This warning, issued by civil protection, indicates an increased risk to public health, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and people with chronic conditions. Local authorities in East Flanders are urgently calling on the population to be vigilant and to take necessary precautions to avoid health risks such as dehydration and heatstroke. The Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium (KMI/IRM) has closely monitored temperature patterns in recent days, leading to this preventive escalation. Such heatwaves are becoming increasingly frequent and require a coordinated approach at various administrative levels in Belgium.
Expert advice
General guidelines include adequate hydration by regularly drinking water, even if not thirsty. Avoiding strenuous physical activity during the hottest hours of the day, typically between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM, is crucial. People are also encouraged to seek cool in ventilated spaces, such as public buildings or cultural centers, and to prefer shady spots outdoors. The City of Ghent and other municipalities in East Flanders may have set up specific cooling spots or drinking water points to mitigate the impact of the heat.
Background
An orange alert for heat is issued in Belgium when temperatures remain extremely high for several days and the minimum night-time temperature does not drop sufficiently to allow the body to recover. These criteria are laid down in the national heat plan of the Belgian Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment. The Heat Plan, introduced in 2004 after the devastating heatwave of 2003, aims to protect the population and reduce heat-related mortality. The KMI/IRM plays a central role in this by continuous monitoring and providing reliable weather forecasts to policymakers and the general public.
"Timely warning the population and activating local emergency services is essential to minimize the health impact of extreme weather conditions such as heatwaves," according to a KMI/IRM spokesperson.
Historically, Belgium has experienced several severe heatwaves, with those in 2018 and 2019 also leading to national warnings. These experiences have led to a refinement of protocols and an increased awareness campaign. The role of the various municipalities in East Flanders, such as Ghent, Bruges (though not in East Flanders), and Aalst, is essential in implementing these plans, as they coordinate local communication and support.
What it means for Belgium
The orange alert in East Flanders highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves in Belgium, a clear consequence of climate change. This has not only direct implications for public health but also for various economic sectors, such as agriculture and energy supply. The Walloon and Brussels regions operate similar emergency plans, but specific implementations may vary.
In the future, the Belgian government, represented by the federal government and the regions, will inevitably have to continue investing in mitigation and adaptation strategies. This includes establishing more green spaces in urban areas – such as Ghent and Antwerp – for cooling, improving cooling systems in public buildings, and continuously educating the public about the risks. The heatwave in East Flanders serves as a concrete reminder of the need for a resilient national climate policy. Belgium will have to further adapt to the reality of a warmer climate, which calls for innovative solutions and cooperation across all policy levels. The lessons learned now will be decisive for the future approach to such weather conditions across Belgium and specifically in regions like East Flanders.
