Belgium faces renewed heatwave with temperatures set to hit 35 degrees

Belgium is bracing for another intense heatwave, with temperatures set to climb back above 30 degrees Celsius starting Sunday and possibly reaching a peak of 35 degrees by midweek. This marks a return to the extreme heat that has characterized the summer, offering little respite after a brief cooler spell.

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We have had very temporarily slightly more breathable temperatures. Unfortunately, the signals already indicate that temperatures will rise again.

Meteorologist Pascal Mormal from the Royal Meteorological Institute described the situation as a "déjà vu," noting that "unfortunately, the signals already indicate that temperatures will rise again." He highlighted that the expected Thursday peak, potentially reaching 33 to 35 degrees, would be significantly above the seasonal norm, about 11-12 degrees higher. While such temperatures can occur in early August, they are considered much rarer around mid-August.

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Some models predict temperatures of 33 to 35 degrees on Thursday. We would still be 11-12 degrees above the seasonal norm, which is quite considerable.

Mormal emphasized that the primary concern is not just the intensity but the repetition of these heat episodes. "We unfortunately observe that this summer, the scenarios of severe heat tend to repeat constantly," he explained. The country has struggled to escape "blocked weather conditions, these anticyclonic blockages that persist." A brief intrusion of cooler, maritime air provided temporary relief, but the pattern of very hot conditions has returned.

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We really have trouble breaking away from these blocked weather conditions, these anticyclonic blockages that persist.

The persistent heat is linked to atmospheric blocking patterns, specifically anticyclonic blockages, which prevent the usual arrival of low-pressure systems that would bring cooler temperatures and rain. "The fact that there has been no talweg, areas where pressure is lower and can favor the arrival of depressions, for several weeks in Belgium and much of Western Europe, also explains why we have no precipitation and the mechanism is self-sustaining," Mormal stated. This lack of rain further intensifies the heat, creating a vicious cycle where dry soils contribute to higher temperatures, which in turn worsen the drought.

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The fact that there has been no talweg, areas where pressure is lower and can favor the arrival of depressions, for several weeks in Belgium and much of Western Europe, also explains why we have no precipitation and the mechanism is self-sustaining.