Understand the natural and climate risks affecting your property and prepare for the future with our risk assessments.
People in Belgium may experience increased risks from heat waves, heavy precipitation, strong winds and other hazards due to climate change over the next 30 years. These risks, through 2050 and beyond, may change depending on how much we reduce emissions in the near future.
Projected increase in average summer temperatures by 2050 compared to 1961-1990
Extremely hot days annually by 2050 (compared to fewer than 5 days in 1961-1990)
Projected increase in the intensity of heavy rainfall events by 2050
Properties at risk of extreme weather events by 2050
These projections are based on the widely-accepted RCP4.5 climate scenario, which represents a moderate emissions pathway – with greenhouse gas emissions expected to peak around 2040 and then gradually decline, leading to stabilized concentrations by the end of the century. Our analysis uses advanced climate models, high-resolution satellite data, and machine learning algorithms to provide accurate predictions.
Belgium’s varied landscape and proximity to the North Sea lead to distinct regional climate impacts. Coastal areas (like West Flanders) are more exposed to sea level rise, storm surges, and saltwater intrusion, while inland regions (such as Wallonia and the Ardennes) face greater risks from heavy rainfall, river flooding, and temperature extremes. Our property-specific analysis takes these important regional differences into account to better assess climate risk at the local level.
CLIMATIG Score Risk Ratings measure the risk posed by a hazard on a 0-100 scale, based on historical conditions and future projections through 2050. While a lower score indicates reduced risk, it does not mean zero exposure - climate change has complex, interacting local and large-scale effects that impact everyone.
Heatwaves in Belgium are becoming increasingly frequent, prolonged, and intense due to climate change. Rising temperatures pose a growing threat to health, wellbeing, and overall quality of life, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Projections for 2041–2070 indicate a summer temperature rise of approximately 2.5–3°C compared to the 1961–1990 reference period. Since Belgium already experiences urban heat island effects, this trend substantially heightens the risk of heat-related health issues and infrastructure stress.
When intensive rainfall occurs in a short period, water systems can be overwhelmed, leading to erosion and damaging floods. These events are particularly dangerous after prolonged drought periods when soil has reduced water absorption capacity.
Intense rainfall over short periods is becoming more common across Belgium, particularly in the Ardennes and river valleys. While annual precipitation totals may remain stable, the intensity and irregularity of heavy rain events are growing.
Strong winds combined with drought conditions can cause dust storms in locations favorable for their development. They can cause irritation to respiratory tracts in vulnerable people and damage to property structures.
Belgium regularly experiences strong winds, especially in coastal and open inland areas. While long-term changes in average wind speeds are uncertain, climate models suggest an increase in the frequency of extreme wind events, particularly during winter. These winds can damage roofs, uproot trees, disrupt transportation, and affect power lines. Areas with older or poorly maintained buildings are especially vulnerable.
Low-lying coastal areas of West Flanders and parts of the Belgian coast are increasingly at risk due to rising sea levels and storm surges. Flooding can cause significant damage to homes, transport infrastructure, and natural coastal defenses. With much of the coast protected by dikes and dunes, even small increases in sea level heighten the risk of overtopping and erosion.
Properties along major rivers like the Meuse, Scheldt, and Sambre face elevated flood risk as intense rainfall events become more frequent. Urban development near floodplains and saturated soils in winter months further increase the likelihood of overflow and damage to properties and infrastructure.
Belgium experiences an increasing number of severe hailstorms, particularly in summer. Hail can damage roofs, vehicles, crops, and solar panels. Regions in central and eastern Belgium are particularly exposed, and climate change may contribute to more frequent or intense hail events.
Despite Belgium’s relatively wet climate, seasonal droughts are becoming more common, especially in regions with sandy soils, such as parts of Flanders and the Kempen plateau. Lower groundwater levels and extended dry spells can impact agriculture, urban green spaces, and structural stability due to soil shrinkage (subsidence).
Belgium’s varied geography means these risks differ significantly between coastal and inland areas. Our analysis identifies locations with the highest risk levels.
Climate adaptation measures can help protect your property and investment from increasing climate risks.
As temperatures rise, protecting your property from heat becomes increasingly important.
Flooding from extreme rainfall events can cause significant property damage.
Strong winds can have devastating effects on poorly constructed buildings.
Climate risks are increasingly factored into property valuations and insurance premiums. Properties with high exposure to heat waves, flooding, or wind damage may face:
Having a detailed risk assessment helps you make informed decisions, negotiate better insurance terms, and implement targeted adaptation measures to protect your investment.
