Belgium has been in the grip of a cold spell for weeks now. However, this chilly working week is due to end with extraordinarily mild temperatures.
Few would dare to dream that temperatures could near 20°C by Friday, as the week started with the coldest night this winter (temperatures dropped to -15.6°C in Elsenborn, East Cantons). But warmer temperatures are now on the cards, according to the Royal Meteorological Institute's (RMI) forecast.
Friday will be particularly mild with highs between 12°C in the High Fens and 18°C to 19°C in the Kempen, the RMI wrote on its website. It will be dry and overcast, and there will be southerly winds of up to 60 km per hour.
"On average, the afternoon temperature in the centre of Belgium in February is around 7°C. So 16°C is considerably warmer than usual," Johnny Willemsen, a meteorologist at weather services Weeronline and Meteovista, told The Brussels Times.
However, this is not a record for February. "In Brussels (Uccle), it reached 20.2°C on 26 February 2019. So even 20°C is possible in February, and temperatures of 16-18°C are not uncommon."
During the weekend, temperatures will hover around 13-14°C.
Hay fever risk
Meteovista has warned that the risk of hay fever will increase in the coming days.
"Due to the recent sunny weather and the expected higher temperatures later this week, more and more alders are coming into bloom," said Rico Schröder, a meteorologist at Meteovista. Hazels are also in bloom.
He explained that the sunshine has allowed the trees and bushes to develop further. "The predominantly dry and especially milder weather of the coming days will further stimulate the flowering of these trees and bushes, causing more and more pollen to enter the air. In addition, a southerly current will bring in pollen from France."
People who are allergic to alder or hazel pollen can expect an increase in hay fever symptoms later this week and are strongly advised to avoid all outdoor activities.
