BRUSSELS — Belgium has broken a century-old temperature record for 7 March, with the mercury reaching 17.7 degrees Celsius in Uccle on Friday, surpassing the previous record of 17.6 degrees set in 1991.
The new high was confirmed by David Dehenauw of the Royal Meteorological Institute (KMI) shortly before 2:30 p.m.
“Currently 17.7 degrees in Uccle. Old day record from 1991 (17.6) thus broken. Final result will be known later,” Dehenauw posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, as temperatures continued to rise slightly throughout the afternoon.
The KMI has been meticulously recording day temperatures since 1880, making Friday’s reading particularly significant in the context of Belgium’s meteorological history.
The unseasonably warm weather brought a spring-like atmosphere to many parts of the country, prompting residents to flock to parks and outdoor terraces.
In Brussels, the streets were bustling with people shedding winter coats to embrace the sun. The unexpected warmth followed a trend observed across Europe, where several countries have experienced unusually mild winter and early spring conditions.
Climatologists have pointed to these temperature anomalies as part of a broader pattern linked to climate change, warning that such record-breaking events are likely to become more frequent.
“The consistent breaking of temperature records, especially in the winter and early spring months, is a clear indication of the warming climate,” said Thomas Devriendt, a climate scientist at KU Leuven. “While it may seem pleasant to many, it underscores a much more concerning global trend.”
More Warmth Before a Cool-Down
The Royal Meteorological Institute forecasts that the warmer-than-average weather will persist into the weekend and early next week, bringing more sunshine and mild temperatures.
Monday is expected to start bright and warm, though rain showers by late afternoon will signal the beginning of a significant drop in temperatures. From Tuesday, a cold front is predicted to move in, causing temperatures to fall back to seasonal norms.
Daytime highs are likely to hover between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius, with overnight temperatures dipping closer to freezing. The shift is expected to remind Belgians that winter is not yet fully behind them, despite the recent warmth.
Climate Concerns Amid Record Temperatures
The record-setting day has also reignited discussions about Belgium’s preparedness for the impacts of climate change.
Environmental groups have reiterated calls for stronger policies to curb emissions and enhance climate resilience, especially as the country has already experienced severe weather events in recent years, including devastating floods in 2021.
“Warm winter and early spring days may seem harmless, but they are part of a worrying trend,” said Elise Martens, spokesperson for the Belgian climate action group KlimaatCoalitie.
“Without significant emission reductions, we can expect more extreme weather, which will impact agriculture, water resources, and public health.”
As Belgium’s government prepares for a series of environmental policy debates this spring, the latest temperature record is likely to feature prominently in discussions.
Meanwhile, Belgians are advised to enjoy the mild weather while it lasts, with cooler days just around the corner.
