Winter is still over a month away, but the first snow may arrive in Belgium as early as next week. However, not all places will be covered in a white blanket: most of the country will be hit with rain.
While temperatures remained comfortably around 10°C this week, they are predicted to drop below 0°C in some areas in Belgium from next week. According to the Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI), the first snow of the season will fall. However, people will have to head to the more mountainous Ardennes or the High Fens in the south to see the first snowflakes.
"Some snow is possible in Upper Belgium from Tuesday," the weather service said. Temperatures will hover around freezing during the day and may drop to -2°C at night.
However, snow sports lovers have been warned not to get excited too soon, as a few centimetres of snow are expected at most. Enough for a winter walk, but not for skiing or sledging at one of Belgium's winter sports resorts.
By the end of next week, it is expected to become warmer, meaning the first snow will likely disappear. As it is only mid-November, the ground is still warm, speeding up the melting process.
Rain elsewhere
In preparation for the predicted snow, the City of Liège has already activated its winter plan. Around 3,500 tonnes of de-icing salt in various forms is at the ready. Staff will start spreading salt on the road, cycle paths and pavement networks when necessary. For areas that are difficult to access, 130 salt bins are being installed across the city. These will be made available to residents to treat public spaces.
While the south will briefly become a winter wonderland, the rest of the country will be largely rainy. After what is predicted to be a sunny weekend, it will become overcast, with periods of rain. On Tuesday, another rain zone will pass through the country with occasional moderate rain.
From Wednesday, the skies are expected to clear, and temperatures in the centre and north of the country will also become colder, dropping to 6°C during the day and down to freezing at night. However, the chances of actual snowfall in Flanders and Brussels are minimal. Heavy winds are on the card, which will make it feel colder than it is.
In addition to its human resources, the City of Liège's winter service has 25 vehicles, ranging from large spreaders to smaller models, as well as specific equipment, such as a snow plough for lorries or tractor-mounted ploughs if necessary.
