Southern Luxembourg will be placed on orange alert on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 August. Temperatures could reach 37°C, whilst pressure on water resources and the risk of wildfires are increasing. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Southern Luxembourg will be placed on orange alert on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 August. Temperatures could reach 37°C, whilst pressure on water resources and the risk of wildfires are increasing. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Southern Luxembourg will be placed on orange alert on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 August. Temperatures could reach 37°C, whilst pressure on water supplies and the risk of wildfires are increasing.

Temperatures are set to rise further in Luxembourg. An orange heatwave warning is in force in the south of the country from Thursday 13 August and is expected to remain in place until Friday, inclusive. Meteolux forecasts persistent high heat stress for at least two consecutive days. Maximum temperatures are expected to reach 34 to 36°C on Thursday, then 35 to 37°C on Friday in the south. There will be little relief at night, with temperatures ranging between 18 and 21°C. In the north of the country, a comparable level of heat stress is expected only in some areas.

The heatwave comes at a time when water supplies are already under pressure. A state of alert regarding drinking water supplies has been in force nationwide since 10 July. The Water Management Authority emphasises that rising temperatures may lead to increased consumption and is calling on citizens, businesses and local authorities to limit non-essential use of drinking water and to comply with any local guidelines.

The risk also extends to outdoor activities. The Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Service has issued a warning about an increased risk of wildfires due to the combined effects of high temperatures and drought. It urges people to avoid behaviour that could cause a fire to start.