Brussels, June 30 — Belgium is preparing for an intense bout of summer heat as temperatures are expected to soar well into the mid-30s this week.
The Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) has issued an orange warning for Tuesday and Wednesday, citing potentially hazardous conditions due to the extreme heat.
On Monday, the mercury is set to reach 32°C across much of the country. However, temperatures will climb even higher mid-week.
Forecasts indicate that central and western Belgium could see highs of 35°C or more on Tuesday, while Wednesday may bring peak temperatures of up to 37°C in eastern regions.
The heatwave is being driven by a mass of hot air sweeping up from southern Europe. Meteorologists warn that this early-July spike in temperatures may be part of a broader pattern of unseasonably hot and dry conditions extending throughout the summer.
“We expect the coming four weeks to be warmer and drier than usual,” Pascal Mailier, a meteorologist at the RMI, told The Brussels Times. “Record-breaking temperatures in July or August are entirely plausible. But we must stress that seasonal forecasts are probabilistic, not precise predictions.”
Belgium has already endured an unusually dry spring. From 1 March to 25 May, just 38.91 millimetres of rainfall were recorded at the RMI’s Uccle weather station — the second lowest level since 1892. Only 1893 saw less rain during the same period. The deficit in rainfall has contributed to already depleted water tables in parts of the country.
Long-term weather models developed by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) show a high degree of confidence in continued high-pressure systems over Western Europe.
These systems act as a “block,” preventing cooler and wetter Atlantic air from reaching the region. This atmospheric blocking is a known driver of prolonged heatwaves and droughts.
The implications for Belgium are far-reaching. With dry soil and minimal moisture in the ground, there is less evaporation, meaning more heat remains in the atmosphere.
This feedback loop can intensify extreme heat and prolong dry spells. Environmental experts are particularly concerned about the increased risk of wildfires, crop damage, and heat-related health crises.
The combination of hot days and warm nights can place vulnerable populations — including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions — at serious risk.
The federal health authorities have advised residents to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during peak heat hours, and check on neighbours who may need assistance.
Climate scientists note that such extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent as global temperatures rise.
While forecasting exact temperatures weeks in advance remains an evolving science, the consistent trend toward hotter, drier summers is now unmistakable.
With the heatwave set to grip the country this week, Belgium’s civil protection agencies are on high alert, and citizens are being urged to take precautions as the country enters what could be one of the hottest summers on record.
