Due to the heatwave affecting Switzerland, the official weather agency issued the highest-level alert in key parts of the country. The Swiss Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology (MeteoSwiss) raised the alert level to red for many areas below 800 metres above sea level, including the cities of Geneva and Basel and the canton of Valais.
Officials said daytime temperatures in these areas would range from 34 to 38 degrees Celsius, with nighttime temperatures between 18 and 23 degrees. The peak heat is expected from the afternoon of 29 July through Thursday evening. The Level 4 heat warning in Geneva will remain in effect until 5 August.
MeteoSwiss stated that thunderstorms possible on Friday could bring temporary relief. A Level 3 heat warning remains in place for large parts of the country. Officials warned that the high temperatures could pose serious risks to the circulatory system and overall health.
The public was advised to drink at least 1.5 litres of water a day, stay in the shade and cool environments, and avoid strenuous physical activity during the hottest hours of the day. Temperatures are expected to remain above 30 degrees Celsius through the start of next week.
Belgium extends warning
The Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium (RMI) also extended its heatwave warning until Saturday night. With temperatures expected to reach 35 degrees Celsius, the country's national heatwave plan and yellow alert remain in effect.
The yellow alert is in force from Tuesday until midnight Saturday in some areas, while on Belgium's coast the warning level is set to green for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The RMI called for special attention to the elderly and other vulnerable groups during the heatwave, advising them to drink enough fluids and avoid direct sunlight.
The European Mortality Monitoring Network (EuroMOMO) previously reported that Belgium recorded the highest excess mortality rate in Europe during the late June heatwave, at 48%. Belgium activated its national heatwave plan earlier this week as temperatures intensified.
