There's something distinctly unsexy about weather reports, perhaps it's the bespectacled TV forecasters who look more like used car salesmen than anyone who will set your world on fire. Even when the weather itself has us hopping into bathing suits, it's rarely the news item that grabs our attention.
Then there is the fact that if you're reading this you will be well aware that it's hot today and has been all week. Chances are you know that it will be hot this weekend as well and I'd wager you realise this is unusual for this time of year. So what? you might ask.
Even in exceptional circumstances – this might be Belgium's first heatwave in September (though that's tbc by the Royal Meteorological Institute) – actual reporting on immediate weather is just a bit dull and comes with the sense that we're scraping the news barrel. Depending on your inclination, you'd probably rather be enjoying the day or cooling off rather than read more clichés about mercury rising and to what exact degree.
Maybe our struggle to stir up more than a fleeting interest in weather reporting also explains the general apathy towards news on climate change: we know it is happening and (most of us) believe that events like heatwaves will happen with greater frequency. But what do we do?
Certainly in Belgium we have the great fortune that most unusual weather seen here can be offset with a change of clothes: my rain jacket never had so much use as in July and August, but it was nothing my wardrobe couldn't deal with. Must it be that until disaster comes knocking we remain stuck in our ways?
For all the advances of forecasting apparatus, predicting weather patterns is notoriously complicated with too many variables to provide a clear indication. Perhaps if we could say for certain that a heatwave, flood or other such calamity would take place then we would take more notice.
Then again, it might be that this lack of certainty fosters "prepare for the worst" policies that do a far better job of averting the worst-case climate scenarios. Treating each exceptional weather phenomenon in isolation is misses the far bigger picture.
Enjoying the heat? Let @Orlando_tbt know.
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1. It's official: Belgium experiencing exceptional September heatwave
Belgium is officially experiencing a September heatwave, thought to be the first in its history although this has yet to be confirmed by the Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI). Read more.
2. A first look inside the renovated Bourse and the Belgian Beer World
After three years of renovation work, one of the most iconic buildings in the Brussels city centre finally opened its doors to the public on Thursday morning. Read more.
3. What to do in Brussels this weekend: 8 - 10 September
It seems summer has finally arrived in Brussels, and for once, the good weather won't disappear over the weekend. Take advantage of this rare occasion to explore the Belgian capital and the many activities and events on in the coming days. Read more.
4. Belgium's budget deficit to reach €30 billion by 2024
Belgium's budget deficit is expected to reach nearly €30 billion by 2024, according to recent projections from the Federal Planning Bureau. Read more.
5. Protestors come out in force in Brussels against compulsory sexual education
Several hundred people gathered to demonstrate on the Rue des Colonies in central Brussels on Thursday ahead of the plenary session of the Parliament of the French Community (the Wallonia-Brussels Federation). Read more.
6. Wages expected to increase once again in 2024
Despite inflation cooling in recent months, wages are expected to increase substantially next year, the Federal Planning Bureau noted in its latest outlook for the Belgian economy. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: Albert Cortvriendt’s House
The artist Albert Cortvriendt lived in an astonishing Brussels house in the Marolles quarter. Located in the quiet Rue de Nancy, it was built as a home and studio by the architect Léon Sneyers in 1900. Read more.
