The year 2024 was record-breaking in terms of rainfall in Belgium. Since January 1, 1,088.8 liters per square meter have fallen in the country, the Royal Meteorological Institute reported. On Thursday, the neighboring Netherlands was hit by the sixth storm this year.
Data from the Royal Meteorological Institute in Belgium show that 2024 is the rainiest year on record. Since January 1, 1,088.8 liters have fallen per square meter. This broke the record from 2001, when 1,088.5 l/sq m fell. Although relatively few rainy days have been recorded this year, the record rainfall is due to the high number of days with heavy rainfall. Due to climate change, the institute expects more such days.
“This year has been very wet,” David Dehenauw of the Royal Meteorological Institute said on Tuesday.
High annual rainfall sums were also recorded in 2002 – 1077.8 l/sq m, 1965 – 1073.9 l/sq m, and 1966 – 1055.6 l/sq m.
Another storm hit the Netherlands
The Netherlands was hit by the sixth storm this year storm. Meteorologists named it Conall. Residents of the northern part of the country placed sandbags on Wednesday to prevent possible floods. Ferry services between the mainland and the Wadden Sea islands were canceled due to strong winds. All northern provinces have been placed on an orange alert.
ENEX, brusselstimes.com, dutchnews.nl