Exceptional heatwave and National Day celebrations: red alert in effect from 12.00 on Monday 22 June 2026

The Weather and Flood Risk Assessment Unit (CERI) met this Saturday morning to analyse developments in the weather situation based on the latest forecasts from MeteoLux.

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 health services. This situation coincides with the National Day celebrations, which are expected to attract very large crowds to events organised across the country and place additional demands on the emergency services.

In light of these factors and with a view to protecting the public, the alert level will be raised to red alert from 12.00 (noon) on Monday 22 June 2026. This red alert is likely to remain in force until the end of the week, probably until Friday, due to persistent heat conditions and temperatures that may locally reach 40 °C.

Together, Lëtz prepare

Given the current situation, characterised by both exceptional weather conditions and the National Day celebrations, the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS) has increased its staffing levels to ensure public safety.

The CGDIS also draws attention to the increased risk of wildfires and accidents linked to outdoor activities, against a backdrop of persistent heat and drought, and calls on the public to act responsibly and exercise the utmost caution.

The Health Directorate reminds the public that, in the event of a health problem or symptoms, the GP is the first point of contact. Outside doctors’ surgery opening hours, medical centres (maisons médicales) provide a general practice on-call service from 8.00 pm to midnight on weekdays and from 8.00 am to midnight at weekends and on public holidays, when a patient’s condition does not allow them to wait until the surgery reopens.

In the event of a serious, life-threatening situation, you should go to the hospital emergency department. In case of doubt, it is recommended to call 112.

The public authorities also remind the population of the possible health consequences of extreme heat and of the precautions that should be taken to limit its effects.

Possible consequences:

• A general risk of health problems, even for people in good health;
• The people at particular risk include: older persons, persons with disabilities, people suffering from chronic illnesses or mental health disorders, people taking medication on a regular basis, socially isolated persons and young children;
• Dehydration or heat stroke (symptoms include: fever above 40°C, hot, red and dry skin, headache, nausea, drowsiness, intense thirst, confusion, convulsions, and loss of consciousness).

Reminder of recommended actions

• Drink plenty of water regularly throughout the day (at least 1.5 litres of water per day).
• Avoid going outdoors (prolonged and direct exposure to the sun) during the hottest hours of the day (11.00 am –9.00 pm).
• Close blinds, curtains and windows during the day and open them at night.
• Cover your head when going outside.
• Wear light clothing.
• Limit physical activity.
• Use fans or air conditioning to cool down.
• Try to stay in a cool or air-conditioned place (shopping centres, cinemas, etc.).
• Wet your body several times a day (using a spray bottle, shower, etc.).
• Stay in regular contact with vulnerable people around you and accompany them to a cool place.

Activation of the Joint Operational Command Centre (PCO-C) for the festivities

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

As such, the PCO-C, comprising the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Service (CGDIS), the Grand Ducal Police, the Health Directorate, the City of Luxembourg, the Luxembourg Army and the High Commission for National Protection, will ensure enhanced operational coordination between the various services involved. In particular, it is responsible for analysing, in close collaboration with experts from the assessment unit (CERI), developments in the operational situation and possible scenarios in the context of the weather conditions; for centralising, in real time, information on human and material impacts as well as operational needs; and for coordinating inter-agency operations in an integrated manner to ensure a rapid, coherent and effective response on the ground.

The CERI will continue to monitor developments closely and will meet again on Monday morning.

Further information: www.infocrise.lu; www.lu-alert.lu; Emergencies and on-call services - Health Portal - Luxembourg; http://santesecu.lu/canicule

Participants in the CERI meeting: High Commission for National Protection (HCNP), MeteoLux, National Health Directorate, Grand-Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS), Police Lëtzebuerg, Luxembourg Army, Ministry of Education, Children and Youth, Ville de Luxembourg, Customs and Excise Agency

Press release by the Weather and Flood Risk Assessment Unit (CERI)