Uccle, Belgium — October concluded with 67.7 mm of rainfall in Uccle, a touch below the usual 67.8 mm, and although the difference is slight, it marks the end of a 12-month streak of above-average precipitation in the region.
This dry month follows an exceptionally wet year in Belgium, where each month over the last year saw rainfall levels exceeding typical averages.
According to the Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium (IRM), the past year’s rainfall has set a new record in the country’s weather history, which dates back to 1833.
The IRM confirmed that this period broke Belgium’s previous annual record set between March and October 1905.
The Institute highlighted the impact of the year’s frequent and sometimes torrential downpours, which caused flooding and travel disruptions across Brussels.
The extraordinary rainfall even had locals questioning if it was beyond Belgium’s typical wet climate, which the IRM validated at the close of each month.
Across the country, however, rainfall in October varied widely. The coast received only 60% of the typical rainfall amount, while the Entre Sambre-et-Meuse region saw an excess, with totals around 140% of the normal amount.
Despite the wet trends of recent months, October’s rains were dispersed over 15 days, slightly under the 16.1-day average, making for drier streets in Brussels and fewer disruptions.
The highest daily rainfall in October was recorded on October 9 in Sugny (Vresse-sur-Semois), reaching 82.0 mm. Thunderstorm activity was also lower than usual, with only three thunderstorms recorded instead of the average 6.3 days.
These modest figures contrasted starkly with the intensity of rainfall observed in the months leading up to October.
Temperature-wise, October experienced warmer-than-average readings. The IRM reported an average temperature of 12.6°C, which sits above the normal 11.3°C for the month.
The highest temperature, 24.3°C, was recorded in Châtelet on October 16, while Elsenborn (Bütgenbach) saw the lowest reading of -2.4°C on October 6.
These fluctuations in temperature reflect broader shifts in Belgium’s climate, where warmer-than-average temperatures have been common in recent years.
While temperatures were elevated, sunshine was harder to come by. October saw only 97 hours and 42 minutes of sunshine, significantly below the average of 112 hours and 38 minutes.
For the third consecutive month, and for the fifth time since 1981, Belgium experienced no fully clear days in October. Typically, 3.6 completely clear days are expected in the month, but an unusually dark October resulted in overcast skies for most of the month.
This data underscores a notable shift in Belgium’s climate patterns, with fluctuating rainfall levels, higher temperatures, and reduced sunshine.
Looking ahead, the IRM’s latest findings serve as a reminder of the changing climate, with Belgium’s weather patterns becoming more unpredictable and prone to extremes.
