The Royal Meteorological Institute (KMI) says that today (Tuesday 17 June) marks the start of what will be the first heatwave of 2025. The hot weather will continue until at least the end of next weekend and possibly for even longer. Keep the suncream at hand as the intensity of the sun’s rays means that you could get sunburn quite quickly is you are outside and don’t cover up.
The first heatwave of 2025 with temperatures set to exceed 30°C during the weekend
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On Tuesday morning KMI published at heat warning on its website. The heatwave is expected to continue until early next week. The official definition of a heatwave is a period of at least 5 consecutive days on which temperatures of 25°C or above are recorded at the Royal Meteorological Institute's weather centre at Ukkel (Brussels). On at least 3 of these days a top temperature of 30°C or more must be recorded.
According to the latest weather forecast this will be the case during the coming week. During the rest of this week top temperatures are forecast to exceed 25°C, with top temperature. During the weekend temperatures will exceed 30°C.
Stay out of the sun, use suncream and drink plenty of water
The VRT’s weatherman Bram Verbruggen says that "We have a long period of warm and dry weather ahead of us. It is still not clear how long it will last, but it will certainly go on for the rest of this week and into the start of next week. It won’t be until the middle of next week that the weather gets cooler”.
It’s best to avoid the temptation to sit in the sun for too long, especially if you have health issues. "Avoid going out during the warmest hours of the day and don't walk in the sun too much," Bram Verbruggen advises.
"Moreover, the UV index is around 8, which is very high. Skin will become sunburned quickly. So, apply sunscreen if you still choose not to stay in the shade, and wear clothing that sufficiently covers your skin".
During the next few days, night time temperatures will drop to around 15°C to 16°C. This is sufficient to cool off your home. "Let the coolness in during the night and early in the morning and close your windows and doors when the sun is high in the sky", Bram Verbruggen says.
It is also important to ensure that you drink enough water.