Belgium is facing more disruptive weather as Storm Floriane continues to wreak havoc across Europe.
After strong winds of up to 100 km/h struck the country on Monday, temperatures are expected to hover around freezing on Tuesday, bringing with them more snow, particularly in the capital, Brussels.
The Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) issued a warning for continued bad weather, forecasting moderate to strong winds from the southwest with gusts reaching up to 65 km/h.
Following the storm, polar air descended upon Belgium, causing a significant drop in temperatures from around 12°C on Monday to a maximum of 5°C, with even colder conditions expected in some regions.
The snow is expected to affect the Ardennes in the southern part of the country, with up to 5 cm of snow predicted to accumulate at altitudes above 400 meters.
As a result, the RMI has issued a code yellow weather warning for the provinces of Luxembourg and Liège, where slippery conditions are expected to persist until 7:00 PM on Tuesday.
In Brussels, while temperatures are not expected to drop below 3°C, snow is still expected to fall in the form of sleet. However, from Wednesday evening to Thursday morning, a more intense snowfall is anticipated to sweep across the country.
This weather event is expected to bring back memories of the heavy snowfalls experienced last year, when Brussels saw up to 10 cm of snow in mid-January.
The cold weather is expected to continue through the week. By Friday, conditions should become drier, but temperatures will remain cold, especially in the Ardennes, where maximum temperatures are predicted to be sub-zero.
Snow enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the region is expected to see thick snowfalls, ideal for snow sports. Belgium is not alone in facing harsh weather conditions.
In the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germany, an intense cold snap has already caused widespread disruption. Manchester Airport in England temporarily closed its runways on Monday due to heavy snow.
In Scotland, around 80 schools were forced to close due to dangerous icy patches, and a code yellow warning for snow and ice remains in effect for most of the country.
The cold snap also caused significant disruption in Ireland, where snow and ice led to school closures, public transport delays, and power outages affecting tens of thousands of homes and businesses.
In Germany, snowstorms and freezing rain led to travel disruptions over the weekend, while the Moselle River in western Germany burst its banks after heavy rain combined with melting snow, raising concerns about further flooding in the region.
With the ongoing cold weather affecting multiple European countries, authorities are urging the public to take precautions and stay informed about the evolving weather conditions.
In Belgium, the continued snow and icy roads are expected to create challenges for commuters and travelers, and residents are advised to exercise caution, especially in the affected regions.
As Storm Floriane continues to move across Europe, it’s clear that the winter weather is not showing signs of letting up anytime soon, leaving many to prepare for a long, cold week ahead.
