2021 was slightly colder than average in Belgium, according to observations by the Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) in Uccle, Brussels.
Globally however, the World Meteorological Organization noted that 2021 was the 6th warmest year in history, according to Belga News Agency.
In 2021, the average temperature in Belgium was 10.7°C, compared to a average value of 11°C. We have to go back all the way to 1986 to find a lower value.
Throughout the year, temperatures did not exceed 29.5°C, RMI furthermore noted. A lower value than this was recorded only back in 1988.
In addition, no heat waves were recorded, which ends a six-year heat wave streak.
Heavy rain and floods
The past year has also been characterized by high humidity. 2021 is the third wettest year since recordings began. A new monthly record was set in July with 166.5 mm of precipitation.
The highest day of precipitation was measured on 14 July, one of the days of the dramatic floods that hit the country and other parts of Europe.
When counting all three summer months together, an absolute record since 1833 was broken last year with a total of 410.7 mm of precipitation.
The total duration of sunshine – 1589 hours and 57 minutes – was close to the normal value of 1603 hours and 40 minutes. Notably however, April, June, and September were sunnier than July and August.
