Belgium, August 30, 2024 – Belgium’s Royal Meteorological Institute (IRM) has issued a code yellow warning for the southern province of Luxembourg as heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to hit the region on Friday morning.
The warning, which is in effect from 08:00 until noon, follows two days of warm weather and comes as the country experiences a “wavy disturbance” extending from northern Europe down to the Iberian Peninsula.
The IRM explained that this disturbance is causing unstable atmospheric conditions, bringing with it a new wave of rainfall and thunderstorms. “In the far southeast, we expect locally heavy showers with thunderstorms in the coming hours,” the IRM stated on its website.
“More than 20 mm of precipitation may fall over six hours.” The southern part of the country, including the Ardennes, will bear the brunt of the weather, with forecasters predicting significant rainfall in a short period.
The Ministry of Interior has activated its helpline number, 1722, for residents affected by storm or water damage.
Citizens requiring assistance from the fire brigade are encouraged to either call the helpline or apply via the e-counter. The emergency number 112 remains reserved for life-threatening situations to ensure that those in urgent need can receive prompt assistance.
A Wet Start to the Weekend
Friday morning is expected to bring widespread grey skies and rain across most of the country. The heaviest showers will be concentrated in the south, particularly in the province of Luxembourg, where thunderstorms are likely. However, coastal regions may see a respite from the rain, staying largely dry throughout the day.
As the day progresses, the central parts of Belgium will also begin to dry out, with rain tapering off by the afternoon.
Despite the unsettled weather, temperatures will remain mild, ranging from 19°C in the Ardennes to 25°C in the far south. This contrast between the north and south of the country highlights the patchy nature of the disturbance, with some areas faring better than others.
The IRM’s forecast for the weekend offers a more optimistic outlook. On Saturday, an altitude wedge will stabilize the air mass, leading to drier and warmer conditions across the country.
Although the morning may start off cloudy in northern regions, the sun is expected to break through, leading to a summery day with temperatures reaching as high as 30°C in the south. Along the coast, temperatures will be slightly cooler, around 23°C, but the weather will remain pleasant and dry.
Weekend Outlook: Sun Before the Storm
Saturday is shaping up to be a pleasant day for most of Belgium, with warm and sunny conditions anticipated throughout the country.
The transition from the stormy weather of Friday to the summer-like conditions on Saturday is a result of the stabilizing altitude wedge, which will bring calm to the atmosphere and allow the sun to shine uninterrupted.
The IRM predicts that Saturday will see temperatures of up to 30°C in the south, with slightly cooler conditions along the coast.
The contrast between Friday’s storms and Saturday’s sunshine highlights the variability of Belgium’s weather, where rapid changes can occur within a short timeframe.
However, the summery weather will not last long, as Sunday brings with it a new wave of instability. While the day is expected to start off dry and relatively sunny, clouds will begin to form later in the afternoon, with some areas likely to experience localized (thundery) showers.
Temperatures will remain high, ranging from 26°C to 30°C, but the potential for thunderstorms means that the weekend could end on a stormy note for some regions.
Monday’s forecast indicates even more instability, with frequent showers expected to intensify throughout the day.
The IRM has warned that these showers could become thundery, particularly in the afternoon and evening. Residents are advised to stay updated on the latest weather reports and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
Code Yellow: What It Means for Residents
The code yellow warning issued by the IRM serves as a precautionary measure, alerting residents to the possibility of severe weather.
While code yellow is the lowest level of warning, it still indicates that people should be aware of the potential for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, particularly in the southern regions of the country.
The IRM’s warnings are based on detailed meteorological data and are designed to help residents and local authorities prepare for adverse weather conditions.
In the case of Friday’s forecast, the code yellow warning highlights the risk of localized flooding and storm damage in areas hit by heavy downpours.
The Ministry of Interior’s helpline number, 1722, is an important resource for residents who need assistance with storm or water damage.
By activating this helpline, the government aims to reduce the pressure on the emergency services, ensuring that the 112 emergency number remains available for those in critical need.
The activation of the helpline reflects the seriousness of the weather situation, particularly in the southern province of Luxembourg, where the risk of thunderstorms is highest.
Residents are urged to take precautions, such as securing outdoor furniture and avoiding unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall.
Staying Prepared and Informed
With the weather expected to change rapidly over the coming days, it is crucial for residents to stay informed and prepared for whatever conditions may arise.
The IRM’s website and social media channels provide regular updates on the weather forecast, including any changes to the code yellow warning.
In addition to monitoring the weather, residents should also take practical steps to protect their homes and property from potential storm damage.
Clearing gutters, securing loose items in the garden, and ensuring that drains are not blocked can help minimize the impact of heavy rainfall.
For those living in areas at risk of flooding, it may be necessary to move valuable items to higher ground and prepare sandbags or other barriers to prevent water from entering homes.
Local authorities are also on standby to assist with any necessary evacuations or emergency measures, should the weather take a turn for the worse.
A Mixed Bag for the Weekend Ahead
As Belgium heads into the weekend, the weather forecast is a mixed bag, with Friday’s storms giving way to sunshine on Saturday before the possibility of more showers on Sunday.
While the code yellow warning is a reminder to stay vigilant, the outlook for the weekend offers a glimmer of hope for those looking to enjoy some summer sunshine.
With temperatures set to rise and the sun expected to make an appearance, Saturday could be an ideal day for outdoor activities, particularly in the southern regions where the weather will be warmest.
However, those planning to spend time outside on Sunday should keep an eye on the sky, as the potential for thunderstorms could put a damper on outdoor plans.
For now, Belgium is bracing for a wet and stormy start to the weekend, but the promise of sunshine on Saturday offers a welcome reprieve from the unsettled weather.
As always, staying informed and prepared is key to navigating the unpredictable conditions that are a hallmark of Belgium’s climate.
