As Belgium sweats through a record-shattering heat wave, the country is struggling to stay cool. Only about one in 10 households has integrated air-conditioning, according to official figures, and that drops to just 4 percent in Brussels.
Across Europe, the problem of how to fend off the heat is serious. In Spain, the authorities say the scorching temperatures may have caused about 200 deaths. And at least 40 people in France have drowned since the middle of last week, most after swimming in unsupervised areas. Such severe heat waves affect schools and transport systems, and create major disruptions to daily life.
The chief forecaster of the Belgian national meteorological office has warned that this could be the “hottest week ever recorded” in Belgium. Wednesday was the warmest June 24 ever measured in the country. Temperatures in Brussels are forecast to reach 38 degrees Celsius, or 100 degrees Fahrenheit, on Friday, significantly higher than the city is accustomed to.
Brussels, which hosts European Union institutions and NATO, has particular challenges in keeping sprawling office buildings cool, leaving workers and residents seeking relief.
Given that, the local authorities have offered ideas for cooling off amid the heat warnings. Some are conventional: drink water, wear light clothing, stay out of the sun.
Others are more offbeat. The city of Ghent’s website recommended seeking out a tree as “the best air-conditioner.” The town of Mechelen offered a list of churches in which to take refuge. The Brussels website featured a map of “cooling islands” — including swimming pools, metro entrances and public buildings that might offer a break from the sun.
The Brussels Times, a news outlet, suggested reserving a seat in the air-conditioned Muntpunt Library.
Residents are also turning to online forums for advice. Users pointed one other toward cooler cafes, restaurants and even grocery stores.
“Colruyt at Arsenal, more specific their fruit and vegetable department,” one person posted, referring to the location of one supermarket.
Another user echoed that sentiment: “I have to admit I delved very deeply and lingered a bit longer than I should have in the freezer aisle yesterday.”
For officials at E.U. institutions, Politico in Brussels has published a list of nearby coffee shops offering air-conditioning and has been keeping up a running commentary on which of the bloc’s office buildings do (and do not) offer climate control.
Anything chilled has become a hot ticket, with local embassies even noting when their event venues offer air-conditioning.
