More than half of France recorded at least one monthly heat record during the early heat wave which affected France in recent days, Météo-France said on Friday May 29, making this month of May “unprecedented” in terms of meteorology and climate.
“More than half of France experienced at least one monthly heat record, whether in minimum or maximum temperatures, during this episode, which is colossal,” said Matthieu Sorel, climatologist at Météo-France, at a time when this heat episode should gradually decline by the weekend.
Over the period from May 23 to 27, 109 minimum monthly temperature records and 266 maximum monthly temperature records were recorded, he added. These temperatures, 10 to 15 degrees above normal and largely unprecedented for the month of May, have already caused several deaths, according to the authorities. They force businesses, individuals or administrations to adapt.
Several trains canceled
Several trains were canceled between Paris and the South-West as well as between Bordeaux and Marseille, for fear of air conditioning breakdowns. Météo-France predicts an end to the heat episode for Sunday. But from Saturday, the heat should also give way to storms.
This heatwave is caused by a stubborn “heat dome” over Western Europe, which blocks hot air from North Africa. Italy, the United Kingdom and even Portugal are also experiencing unprecedented heat peaks for the season. Under the influence of climate change caused by human activities, these periods of high heat, previously rare, tend to be more numerous, intense and occur earlier or later in the year. Official forecasts predict an average warming of 2.7°C in France by 2050.
