Belgium experienced its first official heatwave of the year, lasting from June 29 until the evening of July 3
Temperatures broke records with five straight days above the national heatwave threshold, ending when cooler weather returned to Uccle
Belgium endured its first official heatwave of the year from June 29 to the evening of July 3, with temperatures soaring past national thresholds for five straight days. The heatwave hit its peak on July 1, when the country recorded a sweltering 35.9 degrees Celsius, marking an all-time high. This spell of intense heat set a new benchmark for the duration and severity of Belgian heatwaves in 2024.
The end of the heatwave was marked today in Uccle, where thermometers registered a much cooler 22.4 degrees Celsius. Meteorologist David Dehenauw announced the event’s conclusion on social media, confirming that temperatures had officially dipped below 25°C. He explained that Belgium’s criteria for an official heatwave are strictly defined: temperatures must exceed 30 degrees for at least three of five consecutive days.
This week’s weather pattern met all the official conditions, making it a textbook example of a national heatwave. Experts say that such prolonged extreme temperatures highlight growing concerns about climate change and its impact on European weather patterns. As Belgium returns to more comfortable temperatures, residents and authorities are being urged to stay prepared for future heatwaves that may be even more severe.
