In a historic meteorological anomaly, Belgium has witnessed nine consecutive months of above-average rainfall, setting a new record since 1905.
The Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) confirmed that June 2024 marked the culmination of this streak, with rainfall in Uccle surpassing norms established over a century ago.
Throughout the month, Uccle, known for its reliable weather station data, recorded 73.7 millimeters of precipitation across 14 days, exceeding the typical June average of 70.8 millimeters.
This achievement not only sets a modern precedent but also surpasses the previous record set in 1905 when similar conditions persisted for eight consecutive months.
The month of June unfolded amidst frequent torrential downpours, with notable events including a week where a month’s worth of rain fell within days, triggering floods across various parts of Belgium.
The most significant daily precipitation occurred on June 18th in Uccle, with 17.6 millimeters recorded, while a national record of 52.8 millimeters was documented in Frassem on June 29th.
In addition to the unprecedented rainfall, June also stood out for its cooler temperatures. The average temperature in Uccle measured just 14.5ยฐC, significantly below the typical June average of 16.3ยฐC, making it the fourth coldest June since 1991.
Despite this chillier start, temperatures rose towards the end of the month, reaching a final average of 16ยฐC, slightly below the long-term monthly average of 16.7ยฐC.
Sunshine hours were also below par, with only 97 hours and 21 minutes recorded by June 22nd, compared to the usual 141 hours expected by that time.
Although the end of the month saw an increase in sunshine, the total of 186 hours remained below the standard 199 hours for June. Thunderstorms were slightly less frequent than usual, with 11 thunderstorm days recorded, just under the typical average of 11.8 days.
While Belgians experienced a cooler and wetter June, contrasting weather patterns emerged globally. The EU’s Climate Service Copernicus reported that June 2024 was the warmest June on record globally, with the average surface air temperature reaching 16.66ยฐC.
This marked the 13th consecutive month of record-breaking heat, underscoring broader climate trends even as Belgium navigates its own climatic anomalies.
As Belgium prepares for July, which appears poised to continue the trend of above-average rainfall, meteorologists and climate experts remain vigilant.
The implications of these weather patterns extend beyond mere statistics, influencing agricultural cycles, infrastructure resilience, and public health considerations.
The record-breaking streak underscores the ongoing challenges posed by climate variability and the imperative for robust adaptation strategies.
In conclusion, while June’s weather in Belgium broke records and defied expectations, it also serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of global climate systems and the urgent need for sustainable practices to mitigate and adapt to changing environmental conditions.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members