Driest June in Belgium since 1976 heatwave

Last month in Belgium was the driest in more than 40 years, according to the latest stats from the Royal Meteorological Institute.

Only 15.8mm of rain was recorded in June at Uccle observatory, the driest since the heatwave of 1976 when just 12mm of rain fell.

With an average temperature of 17.8°C, June in Brussels was slightly warmer than the seasonal norm of 16.2°C - but still some way off the record 19.3°C seen in June 2003.

The Royal Meteorological Institute's latest forecast predicts the warm weather will continue next week, with peak temperatures in Brussels staying around the 28°C mark.

Tens of thousands of people headed to the Belgian coast for the first weekend of the summer holidays, with hotels reporting occupancy rates around 90%. Tourism agency Westtoer is optimistic for the 2018 summer season, forecasting between six and seven million visitors.

Staying in Brussels over the summer? Check out our guide to 10 of the best things to do, plus our pick of outdoor activities and cultural events.

Photo: Nicolas Maeterlinck/Belga