In an end-of-year review released by the Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI), December 2023 emerges as the third darkest in the current reference period, with the sun gracing Belgium for just 19 hours and 59 minutes.
Only 2017 and 1993 witnessed less sunlight, marking a meteorological anomaly that hints at changing weather patterns.
Cloud cover statistics further underscore the gloomy December experienced by Belgians. The RMI reports 19 days with complete cloud cover, surpassing the norm of 13.7 days.
Additionally, 27 days were classified as extremely cloudy, compared to the usual 21.4 days, with not a single clear sky day recorded against the typical 2.4 days.
Despite the limited sunshine, the month’s average temperature in Uccle stood at 7.0°C, notably higher than the norm of 4.3°C.
This ranks December 2023 as the second warmest in the current reference period, falling short of the record set in 2015 at 9.6°C.
Throughout Belgium, temperature extremes highlighted the diversity of weather experienced in December.
On December 24, Bassevelde (Assenede) recorded the highest temperature of 13.9°C, providing a mild respite amid the overall subdued sunlight. Conversely, Saint-Vith witnessed the coldest temperature of -9.3°C on December 3, underscoring the seasonal contrasts.
Uccle, serving as a meteorological reference point, saw a total rainfall of 102.2 mm over 23 days, exceeding the usual 19.4 days.
This precipitation pattern contributes to the multifaceted weather narrative of December 2023, where darkness and warmth coexisted.
Meteorologists and climate scientists are closely examining the data to discern the broader implications of December’s unusual weather patterns.
The stark contrast between limited sunlight and elevated temperatures prompts questions about the factors influencing Belgium’s climate and whether this marks a shift in long-term meteorological trends.
The RMI’s end-of-year review serves as a reminder of the complexity inherent in understanding and predicting weather patterns.
As climate change continues to be a focal point of global discussions, the unique conditions witnessed in December 2023 add another layer to the ongoing dialogue about the impact of environmental shifts on our daily lives.
While the year came to a close with a meteorological enigma, Belgians now look ahead to 2024, curious about what the new year holds in terms of weather and climate.
The data from December serves as a starting point for discussions on the broader implications of climate variations, urging communities to remain vigilant and adaptable in the face of a changing world.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
