Belgium limits public transport, business hours as extreme heat looms

By Agnes Szucs

BRUSSELS (AA) – Public transport services and business hours are being slashed in Belgium as the country prepares for extreme heat on Monday and Tuesday.

As a sizzling heat wave sweeps through southwestern Europe, temperatures are expected to hit 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) today and 37-39 degrees Celsius tomorrow, according to Belgium’s Royal Meteorological Institute.

The authority has issued an orange warning for two days of extreme heat, advising people to drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol consumption, outdoor activities and sports.

As a preventive measure, the Belgian railway company SNCB will cut 34 peak-hour trains.

Tram and bus services will also be reduced in the Flanders and Wallonia regions.

As recommended by trade unions, butchers, florists, bakeries and pastry shops are likely to remain closed or cut business hours.

Daily trash collection will also be moved up in many towns.

Until recently, serious heat waves have been extremely rare in Belgium, a country known for its temperate climate and relatively cool summers.