Weather warning as temperatures up to 37°C forecast

Belgium's Royal Meteorological Institute has issued a heat warning until at least Saturday evening, with temperatures forecast in the mid- to high-30s in most places.

After recording 28°C in Brussels on Wednesday, temperatures will rise further on Thursday (up to 33°C). Forecasters are expecting 35°C on Friday and up to 37°C on Saturday, the hottest day of the week.

The hot spell will continue into next week, with 35°C due on Sunday and 36°C on both Monday and Tuesday, according to the IRM. Night-time temperatures will remain above 20°C from Saturday night until at least Tuesday.

The IRM's yellow alert applies to all of Belgium except the coast, which remains green. The usual guidelines apply: drink regularly, dress lightly and stay indoors in the middle of the day with doors and windows closed.