Large parts of Belgium experiencing “extreme drought” after four times less rain this spring

After a long stretch of record dry weather and warm temperatures, many parts of Belgium are now suffering from extreme drought, reports RTBF.

Statistics recorded at the Uccle measuring station highlight the exceptional climactic conditions. Since 1 March, the date that marks the beginning of meteorological spring, there has been four times less rain than in a typical year.

Even more worrying is the fact that there has never been so little rain in over 130 years. “A very large part of the country is now in an extreme drought,” says Pascal Mormal of the Royal Meteorological Institute.

However, the situation is not yet considered catastrophic because the current dry spell follows an even longer period of precipitation. "The year 2024 was the wettest since records began," added Mormal.

Although water reserves are amply filled, the current situation is best approached with caution. Dry surface conditions will impact farmers quite quickly, points out the scientist. “And since we don't expect any heavy rains in the coming days, we can assume that this situation will deteriorate further.”

This dry and warm scenario could extend into the summer due to present anticyclonic conditions, according to ULiège climatologist Xavier Fettweis. “That means hot and dry weather. And even very hot weather in the summer.”

It remains to be seen whether the coming months will match or surpass the record-breaking summer of 1976.

Photo: ©Belga/Thierry Roge