Belgium's Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) issued an orange heat warning for most of Belgium on Monday. In Belgium, an orange heat warning signifies extreme heat conditions that pose a high risk.
The orange heat warning excludes the provinces of West Flanders and East Flanders. A yellow heat warning was applied to those provinces.
Temperatures in inland areas of Belgium were forecast to reach as high as 36°C to 37°C. Forecasts differ.
Forecasted peak temperature in inland areas of Belgium.
Coastal temperatures were expected to stay below 30°C, with some forecasts suggesting a range of 24°C to 25°C.
Temperatures were expected to be around 31°C on Tuesday and 28°C on Wednesday. Isolated thunderstorms could develop in the eastern and southern parts of Belgium in the afternoon.
Impact on Agriculture
Belgium's agricultural sector is facing increased pressure due to a prolonged heat wave and ongoing drought. Fruit and vegetable growers reported reduced harvests, smaller produce, and increasing production costs.
Dirk Declercq, an endive grower and chairman of the board of the REO Auction in Roeselare, said farmers have been forced to irrigate crops through the night or before dawn. He stated that some endive harvests have been reduced by as much as 75%.
'Nature is in charge'
Following the initial warning, a yellow heat warning was expected to continue across Belgium, except for coastal areas.
