Just days after a code yellow was issued for heat in the country, the Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium (RMI) is announcing a second code yellow, this time for thunderstorms.
For the past few days, Belgium has been sweltering under an exceptional September heatwave, thought to be the first the country has recorded in autumn since records began.
However, from Monday afternoon, the weather will turn, bringing a welcome relief of cooler temperatures, but also heavy showers and possible thunder.
"In the late afternoon, tonight and partly during the night, we should expect rain and thunderstorms from France, which can be locally heavy and can reach 20 l/m² in an hour or even more, with a chance of local flooding. Furthermore, there is also a chance of hail," RMI noted. The code yellow for heat will remain in place until midnight on Monday.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is also activating helpline 1722. For storm and water damage for which people need assistance from the fire brigade, they should apply via the e-desk www.1722.be or call the number 1722.
Emergency centre operators handle calls to 1722 on separate telephone lines from 112 so that they can handle the most urgent 112 calls and life-threatening situations first, such as those for people suffering from a heart attack or a fire emergency.
Weather in the coming days
During the latter part of the night and towards Tuesday morning, low clouds and fog will form in large parts of the country, which could possibly include fog in certain areas. Tuesday will start out dry and grey, soon giving way to some sun.
During the afternoon, a rain and thunderstorm zone will move over the southeast of the country from France, with possible heavy thunderstorms. Elsewhere, there will be an alternation of sun and high clouds that could locally develop into showers. Temperatures will range between 21°C and 24°C.
On Wednesday, the high trough, extending from the British Isles to Portugal, will pass over Belgium from west to east, together with a disturbance, RMI warned. "Behind it, we will temporarily enter sensitively cooler maritime air," with temperatures dropping to a maximum of 21 and 22°C on Wednesday and Thursday.
From Friday onwards, the sun will re-appear and temperatures will increase to 25°C on Friday and 26°C on Saturday.
