The Belgian Interior Ministry activated the non-urgent 1722 hotline anticipating high winds along the coast on Sunday. Between midday and 20:00, wind will reach up to six on the Beaufort scale with gusts between 80 and 100 km/h.
This hotline directs callers away from emergency numbers, thus avoiding a flood of non-urgent calls. They can call this number in case of storm damage or water damage where firefighter assistance is needed, but in life-threatening situations, 112 is the number to call.
For most of Belgium, Sunday will bring heavy cloud coverage with occasional lengthy rainfall, mostly over the Ardennes, according to the Royal Meteorological Institute.
By late morning, western and central regions should experience temporary dry spells. The mild weather will intensify with highs reaching 7°C in the high Ardennes and 13°C in the west. A moderate to strong southwesterly wind will peak at 60 km/h on average, potentially rising to 70 km/h over the Ardennes’ ridges. Along the coast, strong gusts from 70 to 80 km/h can be expected.
Christmas Monday will be overcast with light rain. Maximum temperatures will be 7°C in the Ardennes 12°C in the west. A moderate to strong wind will prevail with gusts between 60 to 65 km/h along the coast.
More rain is due next week and temperatures will gradually decrease towards the end of the week.
