The risk level for extreme weather events in Belgium is
considered moderate impact. Severe thunderstorms and heatwaves are two of the
biggest threats affecting the country today. In order for heavy rainfall to be
classified as a severe thunderstorm it must include lightning, thunder,
possibly combined with severe wind gusts and hail according to the National
Crisis Center of Belgium. These storms happen a few times a year, increasing in
occurrence lately. Heatwaves have also become a regular event especially in the
months of May through September. The NCCB classifies a heatwave as five or more
consecutive days of temperatures at least 25 degrees Celsius.
As a result of recent increased extreme weather events like
heavy storms and heatwaves, the National Crisis Center of Belgium has contingency
plans in place. The agency has partnered with the Royal Meteorological
Institute to issue warnings in advance to Belgium citizens. The warnings fall
on a color-coded scale that indicate suggested courses of action for safety by province or municipality.
The scale ranges from green meaning no extreme weather to red meaning severe
weather, follow the emergency guidelines. There are also special communication services
that are active for citizens to request help during weather emergencies. These
services include submitting online requests and/or calling a designated federal
public service telephone number. The NCCB also has up to date information and hazard-based
emergency plans on their website available at all times.
References:
https://crisiscenter.be/en/risks-belgium/natural-risks/heavy-storms
https://crisiscenter.be/en/risks-belgium/natural-risks/heat-wave
https://www.meteo.be/en/weather/warnings/legend-thunderstorm
https://www.meteo.be/en/weather/warnings/heatwave
Very interesting read!
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