The Royal Meteorological Institute reports a wet and cool start to the Ascension weekend across Belgium and the Netherlands on Thursday, May 14, 2026. While regular showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the morning and early afternoon, conditions may improve with clearing skies and more sun appearing in western regions later today.
Showers and Thunderstorms Dominating Thursday
The Ascension holiday begins under unsettled conditions, as widespread precipitation and atmospheric instability characterize much of the region. According to the Royal Meteorological Institute (KMI), regular showers are expected to persist through Thursday morning and into the early part of the afternoon.
The weather pattern is expected to shift slightly as the day progresses. In the second half of Thursday afternoon, the western regions are projected to experience drier conditions accompanied by increased cloud clearing. While the morning remains damp, meteorological reports suggest it becomes gradually a bit milder
as the day moves forward.
Despite the potential for clearing in the west, the threat of severe weather remains high in other areas. Forecasts from Weer.nl indicate that the chance of pleasant weather on Ascension Day appears nihil
, with thunderstorm activity remaining a significant concern. These storms are expected to be most frequent in inland areas and across the southern regions. This follows a wet Wednesday, where a low-pressure system moving from the sea between Iceland and Scotland toward the North Sea brought wind, hail, and thunderstorms to parts of the country.
Regional Temperature Disparities
Temperatures across the region remain notably low for this time of year, contributing to a chilly atmosphere for the holiday start. The KMI has reported significant variation in maximum temperatures depending on the specific geography.
In the East Cantons, maximum temperatures are expected to reach only 7 degrees. Meanwhile, residents in Flanders can expect slightly warmer conditions, with highs reaching 12 degrees. These figures reflect a broader trend of disappointing temperatures that have characterized the onset of the holiday period.
The cooling trend was established earlier in the week; reports from Weeronline.nl noted that temperatures had already dropped significantly from the previous weekend, with Monday seeing highs of only approximately 11 degrees. This ongoing instability is driven by the movement of low-pressure systems across the North Sea and North-Western Europe.
Outlook for Friday and the Weekend Ahead
The unsettled weather pattern is expected to extend into Friday, though the intensity of the precipitation may fluctuate. While the immediate threat of heavy storms may lessen, the risk of rain remains present.
Meteorological models suggest that Friday will still carry chances for showers and the possibility of thunderstorms, though these should be less numerous than the activity seen on Thursday. Despite the persistent threat of rain, weather analysts suggest there will be some dry moments throughout the extended weekend.
Holidaymakers should prepare for a period of transition. While the initial stages of the Ascension weekend are defined by rain, cool temperatures, and potential thunderstorms, the gradual appearance of sun in certain regions suggests that the weather may eventually stabilize, though a return to warmer, consistent sunshine remains uncertain.
