Belgium Heatwave: Code Orange as Temperatures Hit 35°C

Belgium is in the grip of its third heatwave of the summer, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C on Thursday and code orange weather warnings in effect for multiple provinces. The Royal Meteorological Institute (KMI) has issued the warnings for Antwerp, Limburg, Flemish Brabant, Walloon Brabant, and the Brussels-Capital Region, with even hotter conditions expected on Friday.

A Summer of Successive Heatwaves

The current heatwave, which began on August 8, is the third to hit Belgium this summer. According to VRT NWS, the temperature in Ukkel reached 31.3°C on Wednesday afternoon, confirming that the threshold for a new heatwave had been met. KMI meteorologist David Dehenauw noted that “the margin of error is almost nil,” adding that the heatwave is expected to end Sunday or Monday when temperatures drop below 25°C.

This summer has been exceptional across Western Europe. According to Euronews, more than half of Europe’s population is forecast to see temperatures above 30°C, with areas home to at least 92 million people seeing temperatures over 35°C. France, Italy, Spain, the UK, and the Balkans are all affected by the broader European heat event.

Friday Expected to Be the Hottest Day

Thursday’s temperatures range from 31 to 36°C across Belgium, with local peaks potentially higher. But Friday is expected to be the hottest day of the week, with the mercury potentially climbing to 37°C in the Kempen region of Flemish Campine. The code orange warning will extend to include East Flanders and Liège on Friday.

Some weather models suggest even more extreme temperatures. Weatherman Ruben Weytjens, writing on Redactie24, noted that the Harmonie model predicts temperatures between 37 and 39°C for Friday afternoon in Limburg. “If that 39 stays on the maps, a 40-degree reading cannot be ruled out,” Weytjens said, while cautioning that the calculations could still change.

The KMI has warned that the combination of high temperatures and persistent drought requires vigilance. The warning phase of the ozone and extreme heat action plan activated by the Federal Public Service for Public Health remains in effect, as Redactie24 reported.

Broader Impacts Across the Country

The heatwave is compounded by severe drought conditions affecting much of Europe. The Rhine River in Germany has reached its lowest water level ever recorded, dropping to 15 cm at Kaub — the lowest since measurements began in 1880. Romania’s last active nuclear reactor is being shut down due to low Danube water levels, and France has water restrictions in 70% of the country.

In Belgium, the impacts are being felt across multiple sectors. Hospitals in Deinze have deployed cooling blankets and mattresses to help patients cope with the heat. Fruit growers in Limburg are struggling with drought stress, and 20% of begonias have been destroyed by the dry conditions. The municipality of Chimay has restricted non-essential water use from August 10-31.

The economic toll is significant. According to economist Joeri de Wilde of Triodos Bank, the European economy could shrink by about 1% — approximately 180 billion euros — due to heat and drought impacts. “Belgium suffers more because the country has adapted less well to the heat,” de Wilde said.

Weekend Cooling Expected

From Saturday, temperatures are expected to gradually cool down, with chances of rain and thunderstorms. Saturday forecasts show 25°C at the coast and 31°C in the far south and Kempen, with Sunday seeing further cooling to 21-26°C.

Dehenauw said the country is “heading towards more normal temperatures for this time of year” with more chance of precipitation. The heatwave is expected to officially end Sunday or Monday when temperatures drop below the 25°C threshold.

As Belgium endures its third heatwave of an exceptional summer, authorities continue to urge residents to take precautions: drink regularly, dress lightly, stay in cool spaces during the hottest hours, and check on vulnerable people such as the elderly and young children. With the weekend promising relief, the immediate challenge is getting through the next two days of extreme heat.