Belgian authorities have announced the weather forecast for Christmas 2024, leading to expectations for gray and misty conditions across the country. According to the Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium (KMI), Christmas Day will not live up to traditional expectations of snow and sunshine, instead presenting a gloomy picture with occasional light rain.
This year's Christmas celebrations will be marked by overcast skies and the potential for drizzle throughout the day. The KMI reports, "Kerstdag wordt grijs en nevelig, met ’s ochtends tijdelijk nog motregen en lokale mistbanken," indicating localized mist and light rainfall particularly during the morning hours. With maximum temperatures ranging from 3 to 4 degrees Celsius in the East Cantons to 10 to 11 degrees across Central and Low Belgium, it's clear this will not be the winter wonderland many hope for.
Weather conditions leading up to Christmas will be shaped by the passage of a warm front moving from the coast to the Ardennes. This front will introduce soft air currents from the sea, which will keep temperatures relatively mild. Daytime highs will see fluctuations, peaking at around 10 to 11 degrees Celsius by Christmas Day. The forecasters predict the absence of the sun, leading to low visibility and persistent overcast skies across most of the regions.
By Friday, many areas will start with low cloud cover, and fog may settle, especially early in the day. Conditions are predicted to improve somewhat by afternoon as clearer areas develop, particularly toward the southeast of the country. Overall, highs of 7 to 9 degrees Celsius are anticipated. Meanwhile, the KMI has issued sound cautions about the winter weather outlook, stating, "Het KMI waarschuwt nog voor CO-vergiftiging door het gebruik van waterverwarmingstoestellen of vuurhaarden bij het verwarmen van lokalen," advising residents to be vigilant about symptoms related to carbon monoxide poisoning.
The dreariness doesn’t stop with Christmas, as forecasters warn December 2024 may become the cloudiest month on record for Belgium. "Het vervolg is ronduit saai. December 2024 wordt de somberste maand sinds de start van de metingen," said KMI representatives, referring to the lack of sunlight and persistent gray weather. With weak winds making conditions feel even more stagnant, the possibilities for sunshine are dim.
The weather this Christmas and beyond serves as yet another reminder for those spending the holiday season outdoors to dress warmly and be cautious, particularly with visibility conditions. With these forecasts, it seems Belgium will experience what many have termed as a 'green Christmas,' lacking traditional wintry charm.
Overall, the expectations for Christmas weather this year paint quite the bleak picture. Residents can look forward to gathering with family and friends, perhaps indoors, away from the chilly and uninviting weather outside. Though not what some might wish for during this festive time, it ensures safety and comfort during the holiday gatherings.
