Orange alerts are issued when extremely high temperatures pose a risk to vulnerable people such as the elderly, young and people with chronic health issues.

At such times, people are advised to:

• close their shutters, curtains and windows during the day and air their homes at night;
• drink water regularly (1.5 litres per day is recommended);
• avoid being outside during the hottest hours of the day;
• cover their heads when going out;
• wear lightweight clothing;
• limit physical activity;
• keep an eye on vulnerable people in their network.

The heatwave pushed ozone levels in Luxembourg above the European threshold for informing people (180 µg/m3 ) at all five air testing stations in the country at the start of the week. The recommended European alert threshold of 240 µg/m3 for three consecutive hours has not been reached, however.

On Wednesday the Luxembourg government warned of an increased risk of forest fires because of a long period of drought. It urges vigilance when in wooded areas, and reminds people not to start fires, leave cigarettes or pieces of glass around. Anyone who sees a forest fire should report it by calling 112.