Red Weather Alert to Take Effect from Monday Due to Extreme Heat

Luxembourg’s Severe Weather and Flood Risk Assessment Unit (CERI) met on the morning of Saturday 20 June 2026, to analyse developments in the weather situation based on the latest forecasts from MeteoLux.

According to the CERI, the exceptionally high temperatures forecast throughout next week indicate a heatwave of unusual intensity and duration, with an expected impact on the population as well as on the operation of emergency and healthcare services.

In light of these factors, and in the interest of protecting the public, the alert level will be raised to red alert from 12:00 on Monday 22 June. This red alert is likely to remain in place until the end of the week, probably until Friday 26 June, due to persistent hot weather conditions and temperatures that could locally reach 40°C.

Together, Lëtz Prepare

In this context, marked both by exceptional weather conditions and National Day celebrations, the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS) has reinforced its staffing levels to ensure public safety.

The CGDIS also draws attention to the increased risk of vegetation fires and accidents related to outdoor activities in the context of persistent heat and drought conditions and calls on the public to act responsibly and exercise the utmost caution.

The Health Directorate reminds the public that, in the event of health concerns or symptoms, a general practitioner should be the first point of contact. Outside normal surgery opening hours, medical centres provide out-of-hours general medical services from 20:00 to midnight on weekdays and from 08:00 to midnight at weekends and on public holidays, when a person's condition cannot wait until the medical practice reopens.

In the event of a serious situation that places health at risk, individuals should attend a hospital emergency department; if in doubt, they are advised to call 112.

Public authorities remind residents of the possible health consequences of extreme heat and the precautions that should be taken to reduce its effects.

Possible Consequences

Risk of widespread health problems, including among otherwise healthy individuals:

⁃ those particularly at risk include older people, persons with disabilities, people suffering from chronic illnesses or mental health conditions, individuals taking medication regularly, isolated persons and young children;

⁃ dehydration or heatstroke (symptoms include: fever above 40°C, hot, red and dry skin, headaches, nausea, drowsiness, intense thirst, confusion, convulsions and loss of consciousness).

Recommended Precautions

⁃ drink plenty of water regularly throughout the day (at least 1.5 L per day);

⁃ avoid going outside (particularly prolonged and direct exposure to the sun) during the hottest hours (11:00–21:00);

⁃ keep shutters, curtains and windows closed during the day and ventilate buildings at night;

⁃ cover your head when going outdoors;

⁃ wear light clothing;

⁃ limit physical activity;

⁃ use fans or air conditioning to keep cool;

⁃ whenever possible, remain in a cool or air-conditioned place (shopping centres, cinemas, etc.);

⁃ wet your body several times a day (using a spray bottle, shower, etc.);

⁃ maintain regular contact with sensitive and vulnerable people in your surroundings and assist them in reaching a cool environment.

Activation of the Joint Operational Command Post for the Festivities

CERI has decided to activate a Joint Operational Command Post (PCO-C) from Monday 22 June at the National Crisis Centre in Senningen.

The PCO-C, comprising the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS), the Grand Ducal Police, the Health Directorate, the City of Luxembourg, the Luxembourg Army and the High Commission for National Protection, will provide enhanced operational coordination between the various services involved.

Its responsibilities include analysing, in close cooperation with the experts of the assessment unit (CERI), developments in the operational situation and possible scenarios arising from the weather conditions; centralising real-time information on human and material impacts as well as operational requirements; and coordinating inter-agency interventions in an integrated manner to ensure a rapid, coherent and effective response on the ground.

CERI will continue to closely monitor developments and will meet again on the morning of Monday 22 June.

Further Information can be found at www.infocrise.lu and www.lu-alert.lu.

The Emergency and On-Call Services – Health Portal Luxembourg is available at http://santesecu.lu/canicule.

Participants in CERI

High Commission for National Protection (HCPN), MeteoLux, Health Directorate, Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS), Grand Ducal Police, Luxembourg Army, Ministry of Education, Children and Youth, City of Luxembourg and the Customs and Excise Administration.