Record-Breaking Heatwave Hits Belgium: Temperatures to Reach 40°C

Belgium is experiencing a record-breaking heatwave, with Uccle reaching 34.2°C on Thursday, surpassing a record of 33.6°C set on June 25, 1976. The Royal Meteorological Institute (IRM) has issued a Code Red for the provinces of Liège and Limburg for Friday, as temperatures in the East could reach 40°C, triggering widespread transport cancellations and school closures.

David Dehenauw, a meteorologist at the IRM, reported via X that Thursday marked the second consecutive day a 50-year-old daily record was broken. Temperatures in large cities reached 38°C, while the High Fens saw maxima of 33°C. On the coast, temperatures ranged from 25°C at the shoreline to 34°C a few kilometers inland.

How is the heatwave affecting Belgian transport and infrastructure?

Transport networks are reducing services to manage the extreme heat. In Wallonia, Letec announced that non-air-conditioned bus lines in the Namur-Luxembourg region and Walloon Brabant may be canceled between 13:30 and 17:00 through June 26.

In Hainaut, Letec suspended all services today from 13:30 to 17:00, with the exception of Charleroi. Additionally, the SNCB is canceling certain S and P trains through Friday.

Educational operations are also disrupted. Afternoon classes have been suspended in the communes of Liège, Sambreville, Mouscron, Tournai, Binche, and Etterbeek.

Did You Know? The temperature of 34.2°C recorded in Uccle on Thursday broke a previous record of 33.6°C that had stood since June 25, 1976.

What are the current temperature warnings and forecasts?

The IRM placed Liège and Limburg under a Code Red alert for Friday. An orange warning remains active for the rest of the country at least until Saturday, before it is expected to move to yellow on Sunday.

Nighttime temperatures are remaining exceptionally high. Minima are expected to stay between 21°C and 25°C in most regions, and some areas may not drop below 27°C. The IRM noted that heights and large cities are particularly vulnerable to these overnight conditions.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the suspension of midday transport and school activities highlights a significant operational vulnerability in infrastructure not equipped for extreme thermal peaks. The decision to cut services during the 13:30 to 17:00 window suggests a targeted effort to mitigate risk during the day’s highest temperature volatility.

What may happen in the coming days?

The heatwave is likely to persist into the weekend. Friday’s forecasts suggest maxima exceeding 35°C in numerous locations, with the East potentially hitting 40°C.

Weather conditions may shift by Sunday as the IRM expects the warning level to drop to yellow. However, short-term volatility remains possible, as a heat-induced thunderstorm could have occurred in the south of the Ardennes late Thursday afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Belgian provinces are currently under a Code Red alert?
The provinces of Liège and Limburg are under a Code Red alert for Friday.

What transport disruptions are occurring in Wallonia?
Letec may cancel non-air-conditioned bus lines in Walloon Brabant and the Namur-Luxembourg region from 13:30 to 17:00 until June 26. In Hainaut, all services except Charleroi were suspended during those same hours today.

Which cities have suspended afternoon school classes?
Classes are suspended in the afternoons in Etterbeek, Binche, Tournai, Mouscron, Sambreville, and Liège.

How should urban infrastructure evolve to prevent the need for service suspensions during heatwaves?