Belgium on storm watch but heatwave to linger a few days longer

The current heatwave will continue for a few more days, despite Belgium's Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) issuing a yellow code yellow for severe thunderstorms, reports De Morgen. 

While stormy weather often results in cooler temperatures, the RMI says showers and storms expected from Monday afternoon will be mainly local, although quite intense in some places.

More than 10 litres of rain per square metre in just one hour is possible, along with strong gusts and even hail.  

The warning applies across the country from 14.00 to 20.00. The recent drought has left the ground too dry to adequately absorb rain, so heavy showers might cause flooding over the next few days.

The Belgian home affairs department has temporarily activated the number 1722 to report storm and water damage that requires assistance from the fire brigade. A digital request can also be submitted via 1722.be, an option that’s preferred over the phone number. 

The interior ministry asks that 112 only be used for situations that are potentially life-threatening.

Heatwave will persist until Friday

Meanwhile, the heat warning remains in place, also at a code yellow for Brussels and all of Flanders, apart from the coast.

“The air is more humid, which has already led to a number of showers,” VRT forecaster Frank Deboosere explained. 

“In the province of Antwerp, for instance, there have been a few millimetres of rain here and there, even locally with thunderstorms. Now there are showers in the provinces of Liège and Luxembourg.”

But Deboosere explained that not every part of the country can expect some relief from the heat in the form of rain.

“There’s a chance of showers and locally even heavy thunderstorms, but elsewhere not a drop will fall,” said Deboosere. 

This week will see somewhat cooler days compared to last week, but it won’t be until Friday that the high temperatures drop from the high 20s to around 23°C.