With a second heatwave advancing over many parts of Europe, Belgium’s Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) has issued a yellow weather warning. This alert is in force for the whole country except for the coast as temperatures are forecast to rise to 30°C or more from Thursday. The RMI defines a heatwave as a period when maximum temperatures in Uccle reach a minimum of 25°C for at least five consecutive days, including at least three days where they reach 30°C or higher. This is the second
activation of the “heatwave and ozone peaks” plan following a first heatwave at the end of June. The yellow alert calls on everyone to be vigilant and recommends that the elderly and vulnerable drink more fluids and avoid direct sunlight. Hot weather coincides with summer camp season The arrival of another heatwave at the start of the holiday season means that youth groups are taking precautions for their summer camps, reports RTBF. “We are experiencing increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves,” notes Gilles Beckers, spokesperson for
the Scouts. “Our priority remains the safety and well-being of the young people. We never try to maintain the programme at all costs; we adapt the activities.” The first days of camp are often dedicated to large-scale construction projects, which can be particularly physical. When temperature soar, such activities are moved to the cooler hours of the day. A similar logic applies to hikes for older children. “If it’s 37°C, we won’t go hiking all day. We might limit the hike to the morning or
completely change the programme.” Youth organisations remind leaders to avoid games in direct sunlight and seek out wooded areas or shaded spots whenever possible. They also increase reminders before the camps about the need for regular breaks, for water bottles to be rinsed daily, as well as the need for sunscreen and hats. Campsite owners are required to provide drinking water. “We also emphasise the importance of replenishing water when it is stored in tanks or jerrycans,” the spokesperson added. Other precautionary measures are due
to the increased risk of fires. Some municipalities prohibit campfires or impose specific restrictions. “In 2019, several camps had to completely forgo cooking fires and find alternatives,” recalls Beckers. Even when fires are permitted, leaders are urged to be extra vigilant. The Scouts remind everyone that it is forbidden to light a fire in the forest or within 100 metres of fields and houses. Photos: ©Les Scouts ASBL
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