Belgium’s Royal Meteorological Institute (IRM) has issued a yellow alert warning for slippery road conditions and dense fog, set to affect multiple regions from Friday evening through Saturday afternoon.
The alerts come as freezing temperatures and low visibility are expected to create hazardous travel conditions.
The warning for slippery conditions applies between 18:00 Friday and 12:00 Saturday and is in effect for the provinces of Liège, Hainaut, Namur, Walloon Brabant, Flemish Brabant, and Brussels.
The IRM advises motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution due to the heightened risk of accidents caused by icy roads.
In addition, the institute has issued a yellow alert for fog from 16:00 Friday to 14:00 Saturday. This alert covers all Flemish provinces, as well as Hainaut, Walloon Brabant, and Brussels.
The dense fog, which may be freezing in some areas, is expected to severely reduce visibility, with some locations seeing visibility drop to less than 200 meters.
Hazardous Travel Conditions Expected
“During the evening and tonight, dense and sometimes freezing fog will again form in many places, with visibility sometimes limited to less than 200 meters,” the IRM stated in its warning.
The combination of freezing temperatures and fog is expected to create particularly treacherous conditions for drivers.
To the south of the Sambre-et-Meuse corridor, skies will remain mostly clear, the IRM noted, although patches of freezing fog are anticipated in valley areas.
The region’s natural geography is likely to exacerbate the fog in low-lying areas, further complicating travel.
Precautions for Safety
Authorities are urging residents to take necessary precautions when traveling. Motorists are advised to use fog lights, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and reduce speed.
Pedestrians should also be vigilant, especially in poorly lit or rural areas where icy patches might be less visible.
Transport services may also experience delays, with reduced visibility potentially affecting schedules for buses, trains, and flights. Commuters are advised to check for updates before heading out.
Cold Weather Adds to Risks
The freezing temperatures accompanying the fog and slippery conditions are part of a cold snap gripping Belgium.
While daytime temperatures are expected to rise slightly over the weekend, nighttime conditions remain conducive to the formation of ice and frost, particularly in shaded or untreated areas.
Looking Ahead
The IRM’s alerts are expected to remain in place until midday on Saturday for slippery roads and until the early afternoon for fog.
Weather experts predict that conditions will gradually improve as temperatures rise and the fog dissipates.
As Belgium enters the weekend under a blanket of cautionary weather alerts, residents are reminded to stay updated with the latest forecasts and heed safety advice from local authorities.
Those traveling are encouraged to allow extra time for their journeys and prioritize safety above all.
