2023 weather stats reveal effects of climate change in Belgium

Belgium cemented a number of records in 2023 related to the effects of climate change, according to new figures from the Royal Meteorological Institute.

The country recorded the hottest June since observations began in 1833, with the average temperature climbing above 20°C (20.3°C) for the first time on record.

There were also two heatwaves, 207 days of rain and a tornado just outside Bouillon, RTBF reports.

Throughout the year, the average temperature recorded at Uccle was 12.1°C, compared to an average of 11°C. This the third warmest average temperature on record, behind 2020 and 2022.

Belgium experienced two heatwaves: the first between 8 and 17 June, and the second between 4 and 11 September. The latter was the latest in the year that a heatwave has ever been recorded in Belgium.

Average monthly temperatures were systematically above the respective normal values nearly all year long, with the exception of March, April, July and August.

Rainfall was also higher than typically: 1011.4 mm of precipitation was recorded in Uccle (normally 837.1 mm) and it rained on 207 days (normally 189.8 days).

Still, no records were broken there: 2023 ranked fourth in terms of rainfall after 2001, 2002 and 2021.

Last year also saw the second longest dry period since 1892, with no rain falling in Uccle between 16 May and 16 June. The longest period of drought (36 days) occurred in 2007.

Only five days of snow were recorded in Uccle - two in January, two in March and one day in December - and Belgium retains its reputation for dreary weather with only four months being sunnier than their respective averages: February, May, June and September.