It promises to be an oppressively hot day today in many parts, sunny with highs around 30 degrees. By the evening we could face severe thunderstorms, the Met Office warns. A code yellow weather alert has been issued. This may become a code amber weather warning, because of strong gusts of wind, in the course of the day. Emergency number 1722 has been activated. The number should be used if you need help from the emergency services but there is no threat to life. For instances where there is a threat to life phone 112. The 1722 number is activated to ease pressure on 112.
A few showers are expected this morning. Later, it becomes fairly sunny in central and eastern parts of the country, but more high cloud will gradually appear. In the west, it remains cloudier with an increasing chance of showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon.
It will be hot with highs between 23 degrees on the coast and in the High Ardennes and 28 to 31 degrees in Flanders. A moderate wind will blow from the southeast, turning west during the day.
Tonight an active zone of thunderstorms will pass over the country from west to east. This may be accompanied by a lot of precipitation, hail and strong gusts of wind. The thunderstorms are heading for the Netherlands and Germany and will be followed by broad clear spells interspersed with some less intense showers. Lows between 15 and 18 degrees with weak to occasionally moderate south-westerly winds.
Emergency number 1722 has been activated due to the risk of storms or flooding. People needing assistance from the fire brigade in a non-life-threatening situation can apply for help via the e-desk www.1722.be or by calling the number 1722.
Outlook cooler and wetter
Wednesday will be cloudy with a chance of showers. In between, there are often clear spells. Maximum temperatures range from 21 degrees on the coast and on the Ardennes plateau to 24 degrees in the Kempen District. Winds at the sea will be moderate and fairly strong from the southwest.
Thursday morning starts nice with sunny spells, but later we will get cloudier skies with a chance of some showers, especially in the southeast. During Thursday night expect fierce thunderstorms to pass over Belgium arriving from France. Highs between 19 and 23 degrees. Winds will be weak from the southwest to west and later mostly from the west.
Friday will be mostly cloudy with showers. Highs between 16 and 22 degrees. Wind is mostly moderate from a northern direction.