Belgium is facing a heatwave with temperatures expected to hit 40 degrees Celsius in provinces like Limburg and Liège, according to meteorologist Bram Verbruggen. The extreme conditions, currently in their tenth day, are forcing authorities to issue warnings as humidity levels rise, threatening to end the tropical stretch with severe thunderstorms by the weekend.
Why is this heatwave reaching extreme levels?
Meteorological data indicates this heatwave is driven by a persistent high-pressure system, with Bram Verbruggen confirming that the current period marks the peak of the event. While coastal regions remain relatively cooler at 32 degrees, inland areas are enduring temperatures up to 38 degrees.
A “tropical night” is defined by meteorologists as a night where the temperature does not drop below 20 degrees Celsius. KMI forecasts suggest the coming night will see minimums of 21 to 22 degrees across the country.
How will the weather shift over the weekend?
The transition from extreme heat to potential instability begins Saturday, as humidity levels rise. Verbruggen notes that while Saturday will see temperatures between 35 and 38 degrees, the increased moisture will make the heat feel more oppressive than previous days. By Saturday evening, the risk of severe thunderstorms—complete with hail and high wind gusts—will increase nationwide as the weather system moves in from France.
What can residents expect for the start of next week?
The tropical heat is expected to break by Sunday, according to forecasts. Temperatures are projected to drop to approximately 27 degrees as the atmosphere destabilizes. While the morning may still see scattered showers, the afternoon is expected to remain drier. This shift marks the end of the sustained high-temperature period that has challenged infrastructure and public health across Belgium for over a week.
Pro Tips for Surviving Extreme Heat
- Stay Hydrated: Increase water intake significantly, even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Limit Exposure: Avoid outdoor physical activity during the peak heat hours of 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
- Cooling Strategies: Keep curtains closed during the day to prevent solar heat gain and utilize cross-ventilation during the cooler night hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When will the heatwave officially end?
- Meteorologists expect the extreme heat to subside on Sunday, with temperatures dropping below 30 degrees.
- Why are thunderstorms predicted for the weekend?
- The influx of moisture from France, combined with the extreme ground heat, creates the instability necessary for severe thunderstorms, according to Bram Verbruggen.
- What is a “tropical night” in this context?
- A tropical night occurs when temperatures remain above 20 degrees, making it difficult for buildings and bodies to cool down after sunset.
Have you experienced extreme temperatures in your area this summer? Share your tips for staying cool in the comments below or subscribe to our weekly weather newsletter for the latest updates from the KMI.
