Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Today, January 20, 2025, is known to be “Blue Monday”, which is considered the saddest day of the year. Warnings of frost and ice that led to hazardous conditions have been issued across Wallonia, Brussels, and Limburg. The temperature ranged from 0°C to 4°C.
January 20, 2025, today, is being referred to as “Blue Monday.” Many individuals think it is one of the saddest days of the year. The weather today proves to be quite gloomy and bleak. There are thick clouds in the sky. Fog is shrouding some areas.
According to the Weather Forecasters, drivers and walkers need to exercise caution. Light wintry weather is forecasted. This means there could be drizzle, sleet, or a little snow in some places. The temperatures are very cold. This will make conditions challenging, especially in the early hours. The dark skies and chilly air may make people feel even more down today.
What weather conditions are expected on Blue Monday in Belgium?
The Royal Meteorological Institute has warned about slippery situations in Wallonia, Brussels, Antwerp, Flemish Brabant, and Limburg. It has been mentioned that the roads may have frost and other occasions for thin ice on the footpaths and bridges. This makes them dangerous, especially in shaded areas or places that do not get much traffic.
According to KMI, Commuters should prepare for delays when travelling. They should also dress warmly and be careful on surfaces that might be risky. The weather might improve later in the day, but the cold air, grey skies, and early morning dangers fit the sad mood often linked to Blue Monday.
This morning’s light frost provides a chance to see ice hair, which is also called “King Winter’s beard.” This phenomenon occurs on dead branches of certain trees when the weather is cold and humid. It happens with the help of fungi like Exidiopsis effusa. As this fungus breaks down, it releases water that freezes into thin, hair-like strands of ice. These strands appear as soft threads or fluffy tufts.
Ice hair was observed in some areas yesterday, January 19, 2025 and today gives another chance for people to see this rare natural event. However, this ice will not last long. The strands will quickly melt when temperatures rise or when the sun shines directly on them.
As the day goes on, some areas may become clearer, especially in the Ardennes. This will bring short moments of sunshine in the grey sky. However, it will still be cold, with temperatures between 0°C and 4°C in different places.
KMI said:
“For people going outside, especially in forests where ice hair might be found, it is best to dress warmly and take time to enjoy the quiet beauty of nature on this cold winter day.”
Waarschuwing voor gladheid van 20/01 00u tot 20/01 11u: Vannacht en maandagochtend kan er aanvriezende mist voorkomen waardoor waakzaamheid geboden is voor plaatselijke ijsplekken. Daarnaast kan er … (https://t.co/sPNybMQZwU) pic.twitter.com/3NZaAry1ma
— KMI (@meteobenl) January 19, 2025
What weather changes can we expect in Belgium this week?
Tuesday, January 21, 2025, will start cold and frosty. As the day goes on, the weather will improve. The morning lift will clear, and the sky will become calm and bright. High clouds will drift across the sky, creating a soft light. It will be much sunnier than earlier in the week. However, it will still feel cool.
On Wednesday, January, 22, 2025 weather will be rainy. It begins with more cloud cover in the morning as wet weather moves up from the west. Rain clouds are expected to envelop the whole country throughout the day and nighttime. Temperatures will remain quite cool, around 3° C in chillier regions, while in the west, it can reach 8° Celsius.
On Thursday, January 23, 2025, the rain will shift eastward. It will get drier with some clear skies. A new rain zone will come in the evening and last into the night. The temperatures will be between 4°C and 8°C. The wind will be moderate and strong near the coast.
On Friday, January 24, 2025, more rain will arrive quickly from the coast. It will be milder with temperatures between 6°C and 11°C. The wind will sweep from the south to the southwest and will be strong, especially along the coast.
