The Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) has issued a code yellow warning for all provinces in Belgium as thunderstorms and locally intense rain showers are expected in the course of the day.
Thursday morning began with sunny and dry spells, but grey, ominous clouds have started forming over many parts of the country, including Brussels. The RMI has warned that these could result in storms and heavy rain, and therefore issued code yellow for all provinces.
"From the French border, clouds will increase with heavy showers during the day in many areas, mainly after noon. Some showers will be accompanied by thunderstorms and may cause a lot of precipitation in a short time as well as gusts of wind," the RMI said, adding that hailstorms may also take place in some areas.
Tweet translation: "From 24/08/2023 12:00 to 25/08/2023 09:00. During the day, next night and Friday morning, we expect showers with localised thunderstorms. Locally, showers will be intense with a chance of hail and wind gusts."
The RMI added that the amount of rain expected to fall will vary widely across the country, but in some areas, "25 l/m² or more of precipitation could fall in 24 hours."
Flood risk
The FPS Home Affairs also temporarily activates the number 1722 due to the bad weather, as there are risks of flooding.
The 1722 number is only for situations that are not life-threatening: anyone who needs assistance from their local fire brigade for storm and/or flooding issues can submit an application via the e-counter www.1722.be or call the 1722. People are asked to preferably use the e-counter if possible.
By activating the number, the authorities aim not to overload the 112 emergency number (for life-threatening situations) so people in danger are not left waiting.
Thursday evening will be temporarily drier with clearings, but during the night, showers will develop again, which again can become stronger and could be paired with thunder- and hailstorms.
This will be followed by a cloudy Friday with showers in many places. The RMI warned these could again become more intense on a local level, and could again see thunderstorms over some regions in Belgium, "especially south of Sambre and Meuse." Maximum temperatures will reach 20 or 21°C by the sea, 22 or 23°C in the Ardennes and from 24 to 26°C elsewhere.
