Wallonia Drought Persists as Authorities Decline New Measures

The Walloon drought cell held its weekly meeting and announced no additional restrictions despite a worsening dry spell across the region. River flows remain far below seasonal norms, with several sections falling below minimum thresholds, and groundwater levels are also below expected seasonal values.

Fire risk is assessed as moderate to high, and existing bans on fishing, kayaking, and other water‑based recreation continue. Navigation bans imposed on July 1 remain in force, and swimming is still prohibited at several lakes, including Bambois, Cherapont and La Marlette. Nine communes – Bouillon, Léglise, Manhay, Rochefort, Rouvroy, Saint‑Hubert, Tenneville, Trois‑Ponts and Vresse‑sur‑Semois – have already introduced water‑use restrictions, while many others are urged to conserve.

Meteorological forecasts predict continued dry, sunny weather, and the Royal Meteorological Institute’s drought index expects a shift from “dry” to “extremely dry” within the next ten days, raising the possibility of an extreme‑drought situation if rain does not return soon.