Anticipated Thermal Spike in France: Explanation of the Unexpected Early Heatwave Commencing on Friday
It's scorching again, folks! After a brief respite following a booming thunderstorm sensation on Thursday, the thermometer is rapidly shooting up over France on Friday, June 27. Météo-France, in their report, explains that "a gradual strengthening of high pressure over France is responsible for the rise in temperatures." The days ahead, starting from Saturday, are shaping up to be sweltering, with an anticipated peak in intensity. In response to these heatwaves, Météo-France has upgraded their orange alert to 14 departments, mainly in the south and west of the country. Some parts of these regions, including the Pyrenees-Orientales, Hérault, Gard, and Bouches-du-Rhône, were already on high alert since Thursday.
From Friday, temperatures will sizzle at 30°C or above in the southern half of France, edging close to these levels in the northern regions. The area around the Bay of Biscay experience mercury levels of up to 36°C, even hitting 38°C in some spots. Only territories near the English Channel and Belgium can enjoy a slight relief from the scorching heat.
Fire Dangers in the Southeast
On Saturday, temperatures "will reach between 30°C to 35°C across a considerable part of the nation, up to 36°C to 39°C in the Southeast and Corsica," writes Météo-France in their advisory. This early heatwave, with its extended duration and expansion towards the north, demands " heightened vigilance," as outlined by the meteorological organization.
Authorities in the Southeast are bracing themselves for fire hazards. The Bouches-du-Rhône, which ranks as the French department most vulnerable to forest fires, according to the prefecture, has closed 14 forest massifs out of 26, with a "complete ban" on entry. Additional prohibitions on entry have been imposed in seven other massifs, where work is only permitted during morning hours. In Vaucluse, the prefecture, due to a "very severe risk," has also declared a ban on access to the Rhône Valley massifs.
On Sunday, the heat will amplify even more throughout almost the entire Hexagon and Corsica. "35°C will be reached or surpassed in numerous regions, extending as far as the Pays de la Loire, Île-de-France, and Grand Est," warns Météo-France. Matters will get worse, as "40°C will be approached locally on the Mediterranean coast."
The ensuing two days will mark the pinnacle of the heatwave, claims Météo-France. On Monday, "the day is likely to be one of the hottest of the episode," warns La Chaîne météo. The temperatures are staggering: up to 42°C in Aquitaine, 41°C in the Loire Valley, and 40°C in the Southeast. Even regions around the English Channel will hit the 30-degree mark. "In the heat-affected areas, the temperature is unlikely to dip below 20°C during the night," notes Météo-France in their report.
"Remarkable levels for June"
The situation is expected to remain similar on Tuesday. La Chaîne météo mentions "widespread peaks of 40°C over a significant southern half, but also up to the Centre-Val de Loire and part of the Massif central." Furthermore, "nights will also become tropical, with temperatures struggling to drop below 25°C in urban areas."
Wednesday, the heatwave will continue its northeasterly progress across France, reaching the Hauts-de-France, Champagne, and Alsace regions, with temperatures potentially reaching 38°C to 40°C. The weather specialist hints at a "timid cooling" towards the Atlantic.
Météo-France (New Window) states that this heat wave "does not foretell the rest of the summer," as the conditions conducive to heatwaves remain "little predictable at this juncture." However, the organization indicates that new monthly records could be established. "These heat levels are remarkable for June, but not completely unprecedented," the organization concludes.
- The current heatwave in France, with its extended duration and expansion towards the north, is a cause for heightened vigilance, particularly in the environmental sciences, as climate-change implications are becoming increasingly evident.
- In the face of these record-breaking temperatures and the associated fire hazards, science and environmental-science communities are urging immediate action to combat climate-change effects, as the weather patterns observed are remarkably high for June, but not completely unprecedented.
