Rare ‘Hair Ice’ Phenomenon Spotted Across Belgium Amid Winter Weather

A rare and striking natural phenomenon known as “hair ice” has been spotted across Belgium in recent days, delighting nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

Also referred to as “King Winter’s beard,” the phenomenon has been seen in various locations, including the Sonian Forest and Antwerp, with hikers reporting sightings of the delicate ice formations.

Anne Ceyssens, a hiker who encountered the unusual ice during a walk in the Sonian Forest, shared her excitement with VRT.

“I had seen photos of it before and read articles about it, but I had never come across it myself. Until yesterday. It was the gift of the day,” she said, referring to the rare sighting.

A Rare Phenomenon

Hair ice forms under very specific conditions, making it a rare spectacle. The phenomenon occurs when temperatures hover around -4°C, just below freezing, while the humidity is sufficiently high.

These conditions allow a particular type of fungus, which thrives in dead branches of deciduous trees like oaks and beeches, to produce water.

The metabolism of this fungus causes the wood to release water, which generates a small amount of heat, preventing the water from freezing immediately.

However, when this water comes into contact with the frigid air, it freezes and forms the delicate ice hairs that characterize the phenomenon.

The formation of hair ice requires a delicate balance: the temperature must remain below freezing, but not too much colder.

If temperatures dip too low, the fungus’s metabolism slows, reducing its ability to produce the moisture needed for the ice to form.

This makes hair ice a rare occurrence, and its formation is highly dependent on the right environmental conditions.

Fragile Beauty

Those who encounter hair ice must act quickly to capture its beauty. The fragile ice formations are sensitive to temperature changes, melting away as soon as they come into contact with the sun or when temperatures rise above freezing.

Experts recommend looking for the ice early in the morning before it disappears.

Hair ice is only found on dead wood, and it primarily grows on deciduous trees such as oaks and beeches, as the fungus that causes the phenomenon specifically inhabits these species.

The fungi play a crucial ecological role by breaking down dead wood and returning it to the natural food cycle, enriching the ecosystem.

With temperatures expected to remain slightly below zero on Sunday night, experts predict that hair ice will continue to appear across Belgium on Monday.

Nature lovers and photographers are expected to be out early to catch a glimpse of the rare phenomenon before it melts away.

The striking formations have also been reported in neighboring countries, with several photos of hair ice circulating on social media in the Netherlands.

As the winter weather persists, more people may be lucky enough to witness this enchanting natural wonder.

As hair ice makes its brief but magical appearance, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of nature and the wonders that can arise from the most specific weather conditions.