The climate of Belgium and Luxembourg

Abstract

The present climate of Belgium and Luxembourg is shown to be oceanic warm-temperate, benefitting from the warming effect of the North Atlantic Drift. Mean annual air temperatures are around 10 ℃ and vary spatially mainly as a function of elevation. Annual temperature amplitudes are in the 13–17 °C range. Annual rainfall depths vary from ~700 mm in western Belgium to 1300–1400 mm in the wettest areas of NE and SW Ardenne. Belgium and Luxembourg are located in the zone of seasonal shift of the north polar front and the associated mid-latitude, or polar front jet stream.