Strong wind warning across Belgium on Tuesday

Gusts of wind of between 70-80km/hour could blow across the country on Tuesday afternoon, warned the Royal Meteorological Society (IRM) on Monday. During forecast rainfall, the wind speed could top 80km/h, it added.

Due to the risk of strong wind, the federal interior ministry has activated the number 1722 for extreme weather conditions, reports Belga. This number should be called for non-life threatening situations; when the intervention of the fire service is necessary. If there is risk of life, callers should use the emergency number 112.

The weather situation is currently wet and windy with a band of rain crossing the country from west to east. In some areas, Christmas Eve will be marked by residual rain showers and temperatures will remain largely positive, between 7 and 12° during the day, dropping to 4 to 6° during the night.

On Christmas Day, cloudy skies could give way to some rain in the southeast of the country before largely making way for drier weather. Temperatures will continue to remain high for the season.

This article was updated following the activation of the extreme weather telephone number on Tuesday morning