Belgium is set to experience a significant drop in temperatures Thursday evening, as the Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) has issued a code yellow weather warning for ice, snow, and fog across the country.
The alert comes as the remnants of ex-storm depression Conall, currently moving from northern Germany to Poland, bring unstable air from the North Sea into Belgium.
The cold front is expected to cause temperatures to plummet to below freezing levels, creating hazardous conditions, particularly on the roads.
The RMI forecasts that from Thursday night, a high-pressure system will settle over Belgium, bringing a significant cooling effect.
This will cause temperatures to fall rapidly, leading to a risk of light frost across the country. The cold weather, coupled with the overnight drop in temperatures, is expected to bring about icy patches, especially in the eastern regions.
“Locally, icy patches may cause slipperiness, particularly in the east,” the RMI stated, emphasizing the dangers for commuters.
The code yellow warning for ice will be in effect from 23:00 Thursday night until 10:00 Friday morning, covering all of Belgium, including Brussels. Drivers are advised to exercise extreme caution on the roads, as icy conditions may significantly impair driving safety.
In addition to the icy conditions, the weather warning also includes a concern for fog, particularly freezing fog, which may develop later Thursday evening.
This fog is expected to reduce visibility to less than 200 meters in some areas, posing a significant risk to both drivers and pedestrians. The fog could linger well into the morning on Friday, further complicating travel during the early hours.
“Between early evening on Thursday and Friday morning, (freezing) fog may develop, reducing visibility to less than 200 metres,” the RMI warned, urging caution, especially for those traveling by car. The code yellow for fog will be in place from 22:00 Thursday until 10:00 Friday, and it applies nationwide.
The combination of freezing temperatures, icy patches, and fog presents a challenging situation for those planning to travel Thursday night or Friday morning.
The RMI has urged everyone to be prepared for potentially dangerous conditions, especially on untreated roads and in areas with poor visibility.
Motorists are encouraged to reduce speed, increase the distance between vehicles, and use headlights, even during the daytime, when traveling through areas affected by fog. Pedestrians should also take extra care, as icy conditions can lead to slips and falls.
While the wintery weather is not expected to cause widespread disruptions, authorities are keen to remind residents to stay informed about the latest weather updates, as conditions may change rapidly.
Those with outdoor plans on Friday morning should be prepared for the chilly and hazardous conditions, with particular attention to travel during the early morning hours.
As winter sets in, Belgium is reminded that icy weather and fog can create dangerous conditions, and the RMI’s code yellow warnings are a timely reminder to stay cautious and safe during the upcoming cold spell.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
