Scorching Heights, Plumes, or Spheres... Which Phrases Suit the Surge in Heat?
A Scorching Trend: Heatwaves on the Rise
Hot weather events are increasing in frequency and intensity worldwide, thanks to climate change. These scorching spells have claimed thousands of lives in Europe alone. In 2022, 10,420 fatalities were reported in France due to extreme heat, followed by 5,167 in 2023 and 3,711 in 2024. Across Europe, over 47,000 people perished from heat-related causes in 2023[1].
If you're thinking, "What's so different about these recent heatwaves?" You've got a point. Heatwaves, also known as "heatwaves," are defined as prolonged spells of extraordinary temperatures that surpass the norm for a region[2][3]. However, the specific temperature thresholds and duration may vary based on local climates and regional preferences[4].
In France, for a heatwave to be declared, the average national temperature must reach or surpass 25.3°C for at least one day and 23.4°C for at least three days[2]. Interestingly, there's no global consensus on the exact definition of a heatwave[3].
According to Météo-France, the number of heatwaves has increased significantly since the mid-20th century, with thirty-two occurring since 2000[2]. These events now start earlier in the year, with instances as early as mid-June, and last into September, due to rising temperatures linked to human activities[2].
By 2050, France can anticipate a +2.7°C warming compared to pre-industrial levels, leading to an earlier onset and prolonged duration of heatwaves[2]. By the end of the century, heat will claim more lives than cold, warns a Le Monde report[1].
Urban Heat Islands: Hotter Cities
Cities, especially at night, can become hotter than surrounding rural areas due to the urban heat island effect[5]. This results from buildings and asphalt surfaces absorbing and retaining heat during the day, which is later released into the air, hindering cooling[5].
Paris, Grenoble, Lille, and Clermont-Ferrand are among the French cities most impacted by this phenomenon[5].
Stay tuned for our weekly newsletter, "Human Touch" - Facing the Climate Challenge," to keep updated on climate-related articles[1].
[1] Climate change: Heat will kill many more than cold by the end of the century, Le Monde[2] Heatwave: What is the alert threshold in your department?, Le Monde[3] When can we talk about a heatwave?, Meteo France[4] Various Heat Wave Characteristics, Weathernco[5] What is an urban heat island?, Meteo France
1) The rise in heatwaves, increasingly influenced by climate change, has led to a significant increase in excessive heat-related fatalities, as seen in France with 10,420 deaths in 2022.2) The frequency of heatwaves in France has significantly increased since the mid-20th century, with a lack of global consensus on the exact definition, according to Météo-France.3) Urban areas, such as Paris, Grenoble, Lille, and Clermont-Ferrand, are particularly vulnerable to the urban heat island effect, increasing temperature contrasts between cities and surrounding rural regions, a phenomenon associated with environmental science and weather forecasting.
