Flemish rivers hit record temperatures during summer drought

This past July, Flanders experienced a significant heatwave and drought, leading to unprecedented temperature records in its waterways. According to the Flemish Environment Agency (Vlaamse Milieumaatschappij), all rivers and canals, with the exception of smaller streams, registered their highest temperatures on record during the month.

Several specific measurements highlight the severity of the situation. For instance, the Great Nete, which flows into the Scheldt River, recorded a temperature of 23.3°C. Further upstream, in the province of Antwerp, the Little Nete reached a high of 24.7°C.

The Nete canal experienced the most extreme temperatures, with the mercury climbing to a staggering 25.8°C. These elevated water temperatures can have significant impacts on aquatic ecosystems, stressing fish and other wildlife adapted to cooler conditions.

The prolonged dry spell and intense heat have put considerable strain on Flanders' water resources, underscoring the ongoing challenges posed by climate change to the region's environment.