Heat wave

Belgium has issued a yellow heat alert as temperatures are expected to rise sharply across the country, with highs forecast to reach 35C (95F) later this week.The Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) issued the code yellow warning for most of Belgium through Saturday, warning of a significant increase in temperatures, Anadolu Agency reported.The highest temperatures are expected on Thursday and Friday, when readings could reach 35C.The warning comes as parts of Europe continue to face extreme heat and a growing wildfire threat after repeated heat waves this summer.EU data shows that more than 500,000 hectares (1.24 million acres) have already burned across Europe since the beginning of the year.The European Forest Fire Information System recorded 1,528 fires across the continent between Jan. 1 and Aug. 6, highlighting the scale of the wildfire threat as temperatures continue to rise.Belgian authorities are urging residents to take precautions as the country prepares for several days of unusually high temperatures.