January 2026 in Belgium was marked by a severe cold wave at the start of the month and notably drier conditions than normal. The month delivered an average temperature of 3.3 degrees Celsius, which is 0.5 degrees above the long-term normal of 2.8 degrees. Despite this slight overall warming, the period began with exceptionally harsh winter conditions that dominated the first week of the month.
Temperature Conditions
The coldest temperature recorded during January was minus 12.6 degrees Celsius in Bütgenbach on January 5th, while the warmest reading reached 13.5 degrees Celsius in Aywaille on January 17th. This 26-degree span illustrates the significant temperature variability experienced throughout the month. The severe cold wave persisted from January 1st through January 7th, with peak intensity observed across multiple locations in the Ardennes region, including Fauvillers, Lierneux, Waimes, Bütgenbach, and Amel.
Precipitation Patterns
January proved considerably drier than average, with total precipitation reaching only 74.7 millimeters compared to the normal 108.8 millimeters, representing a 31 percent deficit. The wettest single day occurred on January 9th in Comines-Warneton, where 31.7 millimeters fell. Florenville recorded the highest monthly total with 108.5 millimeters, making it the wettest location during this period.
Sunshine and Notable Events
Sunshine hours totaled 107.4 hours, nearly matching the normal value of 108.8 hours with only a 1 percent deficit. The dominant weather feature was the severe cold wave affecting the first week of January, which brought dangerous freezing conditions across much of Belgium, particularly in the eastern Ardennes region where the most extreme temperatures were recorded.