Red alert: Exceptional heatwave until the end of the week

The Weather and Flood Risk Assessment Unit (CERI), which met on Monday morning to review the weather forecasts for the coming days and assess the preparedness of the relevant services, reiterates its call for the public to remain vigilant and protect themselves.

Exceptionally high temperatures, expected to intensify from Wednesday (with averages between 35°C and 40°C), combined with nights offering very little thermal relief and no significant rainfall forecast, make this heatwave particularly severe. These weather conditions may pose a widespread health risk, causing dehydration or serious heatstroke (symptoms: fever above 40°C, hot, red and dry skin, headaches, nausea, drowsiness, intense thirst, confusion, convulsions, loss of consciousness, etc.).

Additionally, National Day celebrations will lead to large crowds and increased mobility across the country, placing greater demand on emergency and healthcare services.

The combination of these factors is likely to result in an increase in interventions and additional pressure on operational capacities. In this context, the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS), in coordination with all relevant partners, has strengthened its arrangements and will maintain exceptional mobilisation throughout the festivities and the heatwave period.

Strengthened mobilisation of emergency and healthcare services

Over the weekend, emergency services were already heavily mobilised due to high temperatures and numerous activities organised across the country. Authorities continue to closely monitor operational and health developments.

CGDIS has deployed reinforced resources across the national territory to ensure a rapid and effective response to any emergency. This exceptional mobilisation will continue during National Day festivities and in the following days, as temperatures are expected to rise further during the week.

CGDIS also reminds that, due to dry vegetation and high temperatures, the risk of vegetation fires is significantly increased.

On the health side, hospitals and care facilities also remain on high alert. Given the red alert status and exceptionally high temperatures, the Health Directorate strongly recommends that vulnerable people stay indoors in cool or air‑conditioned buildings during the day and strictly limit travel and outdoor activities to essential situations only.

Those particularly at risk include elderly people, people with disabilities, individuals with chronic illnesses or mental health conditions, people taking regular medication, isolated individuals, and infants.

It is also recommended to avoid alcohol consumption during this period of extreme heat, as alcohol increases the risk of dehydration and heat‑related illness.

Festivities adapted to weather conditions

All partners involved in organising and securing National Day celebrations have adapted their arrangements to account for the exceptional weather conditions expected.

Particular attention is being paid to heat‑related risk prevention, public information, availability of water points, and protection of the most vulnerable individuals.

Emergency services, security forces, local authorities, and event organisers are working closely together to ensure celebrations take place under the safest possible conditions.

Authorities invite the public to enjoy the celebrations responsibly, with solidarity and mutual respect.

Reminder of recommendations

Authorities remind the public to:

• Drink plenty of water regularly (at least 1.5 litres per day)
• Avoid going outside during the hottest hours (11 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
• Close shutters, curtains and windows during the day and ventilate at night
• Cover your head when going outside
• Wear light clothing
• Limit physical activity
• Use fans or air conditioning to cool down
• Stay in cool or air‑conditioned places (shopping centres, cinemas, etc.)
• Cool your body several times a day (spray, shower, etc.)
• Stay in regular contact with vulnerable people around you and help them reach a cool place

Enhanced national coordination

The joint operational command post (PCO‑C), which will be activated at the National Crisis Centre in Senningen, ensures reinforced coordination between all involved services.

Composed notably of CGDIS, the Grand Ducal Police, the Health Directorate, the City of Luxembourg, the Luxembourg Army and the High Commission for National Protection, it monitors the operational situation in real time, coordinates deployed resources and ensures a coherent and effective response to the challenges posed by the heatwave and the national festivities.

CERI will continue to closely monitor developments in the coming days.

The authorities wish everyone enjoyable National Day celebrations and thank the public for their sense of responsibility and solidarity.

More information : www.infocrise.lu ; www.lu-alert.lu ; Urgences et gardes - Portail Santé - Luxembourg ; http://santesecu.lu/canicule

Participants at CERI : Haut-Commissariat à la protection nationale (HCPN), MeteoLux, Direction de la santé, Corps grand-ducal d’incendie et de secours (CGDIS), Police grand-ducale, Armée luxembourgeoise, ministère de l’Education nationale, de l’Enfance et de la Jeunesse, Ville de Luxembourg, Administration des Douanes et Accises, Inspection du Travail et des Mines

Issued by the CERI