The Interregional Environment Agency (Celine) reactivated the warning phase of the “high heat and ozone peaks” plan on Saturday afternoon. This decision follows temperature forecasts from the Royal Meteorological Institute (IRM) indicating that the sum of differences between maximum temperatures for the 5 days to come and the 25°C threshold is greater than or equal to 17°C. Despite the heat, officials report that ozone levels remain within normal ranges for the season.
Temperature Trends and Heat Plan Activation
The current activation comes just two days after Celine lifted the previous warning phase. According to the IRM, maximum temperatures in Uccle are expected to hit 28°C on Monday, with an increase in the days that follow. The reactivation relies on a predictive model that calculates the cumulative heat excess above 25°C over a five-day window.
Did You Know? The warning phase of the “high heat and ozone peaks” plan was previously active as recently as June 15, while an alert phase was activated on June 23.
Air Quality and Ozone Forecasts
While the heat plan is active, Celine stated in a communiqué that there is currently no risk of exceeding the European information threshold for ozone. Concentrations are expected to evolve at normal levels for this time of year. The warning phase follows a vigilance phase. It can be followed by an alert phase.
Expert Insight: The warning phase serves as a secondary tier in the response structure, positioned between the initial vigilance phase and the potential future activation of an alert phase.
What Happens Next
The warning phase acts as a bridge in the official response protocol. Depending on how the temperatures track against the IRM forecasts throughout the coming week, a transition to an alert phase remains a possible next step. For now, the primary trigger for the current plan status remains the temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the heat plan warning reactivated?
The warning phase was reactivated because the temperature criterion had been met, specifically the sum of differences between maximum temperatures for the 5 days to come and the 25°C threshold being greater than or equal to 17°C.
Is there an ozone pollution risk?
No, Celine reports that ozone concentrations are expected to evolve at normal levels for this time of year, without risk of exceeding the European information threshold.
What is the difference between this and an alert phase?
The warning phase follows a vigilance phase. It can be followed by an alert phase, which was activated on June 23.
How are you adjusting your daily routine to stay comfortable during these fluctuating temperature peaks?
