RED HEAT ALERT – A red alert for extreme heat comes into force across Luxembourg from midday today. Forecasters warn temperatures could soar to 38°C, with exceptionally high heat expected throughout the week.
Officials say the alert is likely to remain in place until Friday as the country faces a prolonged and intense heatwave. Some schools are making modifications to their schedule due to the persisting elevated temperatures. Primary schools in Mertert-Wasserbillig, Grevenmacher, Dudelange, Berbourg, and Kayl are among the establishments where afternoon classes have been cancelled today. However, supervision by teaching staff and Maison Relais services will continue as normal
AIR TRAFFIC DISRUPTED – A small private plane made an emergency landing at Luxembourg Airport late yesterday afternoon. During the landing, the plane reportedly struck the runway with one of its wings, prompting an emergency response. Authorities confirmed that no serious injuries were reported, while investigations into the incident continue.
5TH IN THE EU – The latest figures published by Eurostat show that residents of the Grand Duchy have an average life expectancy of 83.2 years. That is above the EU average of 81.5 years and ahead of France, Belgium and Germany. However, Luxembourgers spend fewer of those years in good health than people in neighbouring countries, the report says.
NARROW WIN – Colombia appeared poised for a sharp political shift on Sunday as hardline conservative Abelardo de la Espriella claimed a narrow presidential runoff victory after campaigning on promises to crush armed groups and restore security. The flamboyant 47-year-old US-backed lawyer, who has never held public office, narrowly won Colombia's presidential runoff yesterday, swinging the country hard right with a promise to wage war against drug-running guerrilla groups. With almost all polling centers reporting, de la Espriella won 49.66 percent of the vote versus left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda's 48.70 percent.
FOLLOWING TRUMP THREAT – Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has warned the United States against making threats at the Islamic republic, vowing that "our armed forces are ready to respond". "Don't they think that if their threats had any effect, they would not have reached today's state of desperation? We do not take American threats into account", said Ghalibaf, after President Donald Trump threatened to strike Iran over its support for Hezbollah. "They would do better to be careful with their statements; our armed forces are ready to respond to them in a different manner. No matter what they say, we are the ones who act."
ACROSS THE CONTINENT – Much of Europe is preparing for an already fierce heatwave to intensify even further in the coming days, with some countries taking special measures to mitigate its effects. In France, 49 of the country's 96 mainland departments were on a red alert weather warning, up from 35 over the weekend. France also recorded heat-related deaths over the weekend. A leading researcher reiterated that human-driven climate change had contributed to the recent record-breaking heatwave.
4-0 WIN – Spain revived their World Cup campaign with a dominant 4–0 win over Saudi Arabia, led by Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal. The European champions responded after being held to a surprise goalless draw by Cape Verde in their opener. Spain now lead Group H on four points, while Cape Verde earned another memorable result with a draw against Uruguay. Meanwhile, Egypt claimed their first-ever World Cup victory, coming from behind to beat New Zealand 3–1 in Vancouver. Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Zico and Trezeguet scored to send Egypt top of Group G on four points. A draw against Iran in Seattle on Friday would secure Egypt a place in the last 32.
GOLF – Wyndham Clark won the US Open at Shinnecock Hills, edging Sam Burns by one stroke for his second major title. The victory offered redemption after last year’s locker-room incident at Oakmont, which Clark says was a low point in his career. Despite heckling from fans, Clark says he has learned to control his frustration and hopes to move beyond the controversy.
RUGBY – New All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has named Ardie Savea as captain ahead of the Nations Championship Tests against France, Italy and Ireland. Rennie also included four debutants in his first 34-man squad, including players from the Wellington Hurricanes and Auckland Blues. He said the team will aim to play "optimistic" rugby as he begins his tenure after replacing Scott Robertson.
It’s a bright, sunny start to the morning with temperatures of 22°C. Conditions will be dry with light winds and increasing heat as the morning progresses. The red heat alert will be in effect from midday. Temperatures are set to hit highs of 38°C in places this afternoon making it one of the hottest days of the year so far.
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