Anticipated Rise in Temperatures: Normal Thresholds Exceeded Starting From August 7th
Southern France is bracing itself for another heatwave, with temperatures expected to soar during the week of August 15, 2025. The current heatwave, already impacting much of the region, is set to intensify and extend into the middle of next week, covering up to 46 departments under heat alerts.
Meteorological models indicate a strong Heat Dome building over Europe that will maintain very high temperatures and cause a long-lasting heatwave affecting France and much of southern and central Europe until at least mid-August. Temperatures in southern France and other parts of Europe are expected to frequently approach the low 40s °C through this period, with the heatwave peaking around August 15.
The heatwave is expected to be more pronounced than the slight cool anomaly observed in July. Meteo France expects an aggravation of the heatwave level of vigilance for the southwest and center-east of France on Friday. Serge Zaka, a scientist, has stated that this heatwave is a sudden brake on the coolness of July that had taken hold of the country.
Temperatures in the southwest of France are predicted to rise well above seasonal norms, with peaks between 37 and 38°C. Along the Rhone valley, temperatures are predicted to be between 35 and 37°C. The northeast will experience its heat peak between Saturday and Sunday, with temperatures in Paris reaching 33°C and Strasbourg reaching 34°C. The south of France could experience a heat peak on August 8.
Nighttime minimum temperatures will rarely drop below 20°C, ensuring that the heatwave's effects will be felt throughout the night. Another surge in heat is expected for the following week, with temperatures potentially rising again on Sunday.
The heatwave is occurring during the first week of August, a time when many vacationers are enjoying their summer holidays. The Weather Channel predicts that the weather will remain very summery, hot, and sunny for vacationers until mid-August.
However, the heatwave comes with its challenges. Farmers, particularly market gardeners in the region, are expected to face difficulties until at least mid-August, according to Serge Zaka. An exceptionally violent fire is currently ravaging the department of Aude, causing one death, and the heatwave will not give firefighters a moment's respite.
This persistent imbalance between cool and warm periods is one of the signatures of climate change, according to Serge Zaka. The heatwave has prompted Meteo France to place 16 departments in the southern half of the country on yellow alert for "heatwave". The public is advised to take precautions to stay safe and hydrated during this period of extreme heat.
- The ongoing heatwave in southern France is linked to the building Heat Dome over Europe, resulting in a long-lasting heatwave that is expected to affect the region until at least mid-August.
- The heatwave is causing challenges, particularly for farmers, such as market gardeners, as they face difficulties until at least mid-August.
- Scientist Serge Zaka states that this heatwave is a sudden brake on the coolness of July, a possible signature of climate change, which is characterized by an imbalance between cool and warm periods.
