Belgium Sees Fivefold Surge in Extended Heatwaves, Scientists Warn

Belgium faces five times more extended heatwaves than before, scientists confirm. Heatwaves lasting at least twelve days now occur approximately every seven years.

Definition includes at least five days of temperatures exceeding twenty-five degrees Celsius there.

Royal Meteorological Institute outlines criteria for official heatwave recognition in Belgium. VITO's analysis reveals eighties had one such heatwave about every thirty years.

Optimistic forecasts suggest frequency could stabilize around once every four years. Scientists urge emissions reduction and heat-resilient building designs across Belgian cities soon.