As Europe's southern states have been sizzling in the sun for days, Belgium is also now in for a roasting, with temperatures expected to peak at 40°C tomorrow.
Even for the most devoted sun worshippers, this is getting a little uncomfortable – especially on a work day and in a city better equipped for frequent rainfall rather than oppressive heat. Regional transport operators are taking measures to ease the strain on public infrastructure and will be hoping that many will choose to conduct their affairs from home.
For some, the heat isn't simply a nuisance but a serious danger that poses a particular risk to people with weaker hearts, such as the elderly and those with underlying conditions. The August 2020 heatwave saw mortality rates in Belgium rise by 25%. One health expert likened the effect of the heat on the brain to "boiling an egg".
Some of the ways to prevent overheating are pretty obvious – today might not be the best day to attempt a marathon PB. But have you got any tricks to keep you going when the mercury is rising? For me, it's a fridge full of watermelon and gazpacho to kid myself I'm chilling by the Med.
How about you? Let @Orlando_tbt know.
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People up to 40 years old only run health risks when drinking alcohol, there are no positive health effects, a new American study on the effects of alcohol found. For older age groups, however, an occasional drink may have positive effects. Read more.
2. Shops closing early, fewer trams and trains: Belgium prepares for two hot days
As temperatures will be nearing 40°C today and tomorrow, many shops will close a little earlier, fewer trams and trains will run, and waste will be collected a bit earlier in the morning in many places in Belgium. Read more.
3. Should English be Europe’s common continental language?
English, after Brexit, is more suitable than ever as the lingua franca of the European Union, but it must be resolutely dissociated from Shakespeare and from the British flag. Read more.
4. Midi Fair opening hours pushed back due to heatwave
The City of Brussels has decided to delay the mandatory opening time of the Midi Fair to 18:00 today 18 July and Tuesday 19 July because of the forecast high temperatures, Belga News Agency reported. Read more.
5. Brussels Mayor: ‘Police repression does not work, decriminalise cannabis now’
On Monday, the Mayor of Brussels, Philippe Close (PS) renewed his call for cannabis to be decriminalised and removed from the Belgian penal code. Speaking to Le Soir, Close once again urged a ‘great national debate’ on this divisive subject in view of the upcoming 2024 elections. Read more.
6. Are airlines putting profit over safety this summer?
This summer is set to be a difficult period for holidaymakers across Europe. However, for airline and airport staff, current working conditions have proven unbearable. Read more.
7. Top 10 city destinations under 5 hours from Brussels by train
2 hours to London, 4 hours to Lyon. With hundreds of delayed and cancelled flights in Belgium this summer, those could be your waiting times at the airport. But it is also how long it takes to travel to these European cities by train, which allows you to hop off right in the centre. Read more.
