A red alert is due to take effect from Monday afternoon as Luxembourg faces an unusually long and intense spell of hot weather. The conditions were therefore a major concern during rehearsals for the National Day military parade, which will take place on 23 June.
Shortly after 9am on Sunday, Avenue de la Liberté was closed to traffic for the rehearsal of the military parade, which continued until shortly before midday. Luxembourg Army aircraft had already practised their flypast the previous Thursday.
While the parade itself is expected to last around one hour, the rehearsal took almost twice as long. Captain David Migy of the Luxembourg Army explained that organisers always try to keep to schedule, but some elements are repeated during rehearsals when adjustments are needed.
The sequence of the parade has now been finalised. However, the forecast heat remains a concern for organisers.
Should the predictions prove accurate, this could be one of Luxembourg's hottest National Days on record. The highest temperature recorded on 23 June so far was 31.7°C in 2016. Temperatures also exceeded 30°C on National Day in 2005 and 1967, and 2026 could break the record.
The army has introduced several measures to protect police officers and military personnel taking part in the parade.
First Lieutenant Tom Brecht explained that uniforms had been adapted to the expected temperatures. Additional supplies of water and salt will also be available on site, along with extra vehicles that can support the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS), if necessary, particularly in assisting spectators.
The CGDIS has also strengthened its medical presence.
Jan Niebelschütz, head of the CGDIS operational coordination department, explained that the army is responsible for looking after personnel within the participating detachments. CGDIS crews will primarily be on hand to assist members of the public, he said.
In response to the heatwave, four ambulances, four mobile teams, and a nurse will be stationed along the parade route, according to Niebelschütz.
The CGDIS decided on Sunday morning that animals would not take part in the parade.
All participating services have also adapted their uniforms to the high temperatures.
A number of drinking-water stations will be installed along the route for spectators. Opposite the official grandstand, a fine water mist will be sprayed to provide some relief from the heat.
Organisers also discussed whether the parade should be postponed or begin earlier because of the temperatures. That option has not been retained for the time being, although minor adjustments will be made to the programme and uniforms.
