October was unusually cold in Belgium

October in Belgium was unusually cold, with average daily temperatures 1.4°C below the seasonal norm, according to the Royal Meteorological Institute (IRM).

The IRM's weather station in Uccle recorded a daytime average of 9.7°C, compared with the usual 11.1°C in October. Overnight lows last month averaged 6.3°C, while October night temperatures are normally around 7.8°C.

The chilliest overnight temperature last month was recorded in the appropriately named Givry, in Hainaut province, which registered -2°C on 6 October. Rainfall (13 days, 5cm) and sunlight hours (108) were on par with the October average, IRM said.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross has begun its winter aid campaign, opening soup kitchens and providing blankets and other essential supplies until the end of March.

The organisation says that 1.7 million people in Belgium live in poverty and need some help with basic needs such as staying warm and fed over the winter months.

The Red Cross will hand out 100 tonnes of food this winter, as well as clothing and personal hygiene kits.

Photo courtesy Red Cross Belgium