An abnormal heat peak is forecast for this weekend of April 6 and 7 across France, with temperatures sometimes exceeding seasonal norms by more than 10°C. While the climate currently fluctuates between 10 and 16°C with very rainy weather over a large part of the territory, temperatures should quickly rise from this Friday, April 5. This phenomenon, further proof of the impact of global warming, will give the impression of June in the middle of April.
The South-West particularly affected by this heat wave
According to the forecasts of Meteo France, the south of France will benefit from sunny weather and strong heat from Friday. Temperatures up to 27°C are expected to Tarbes22°C to Bordeaux and 26°C at Biarritz.
However, not all of the South will be in the same boat, with maximums not exceeding 20°C at Perpignan, Montpellier, Marseille or Lyon.
At the same time, the north of the country should not exceed 19°C on Friday afternoon. But the biggest heat spike is forecast for Saturday, with temperatures between 21 and 30°C throughout the territory, despite overcast skies.
A Foehn effect causing these abnormally high temperatures
This phenomenon of temperatures well above seasonal norms is explained in particular by the foehn effect. This is a meteorological mechanism that occurs when an air mass is blocked by relief. This causes precipitation to appear which carries away the water carried by the airflow, subsequently causing a rise of warm air.
This effect currently occurring in Pyrenees, the intense heat wave will therefore mainly affect the south-west of France, even if high temperatures will also be recorded in the North. So, on Saturday afternoon, it could be up to 30°C in Tarbes27°C to Biarritz23°C to Marseille et Bordeaux. These heat conditions will persist even into the evening.
An intense but brief heat episode
If this heat peak promises to be particularly marked, it should however be short-lived. From Sunday, temperatures will drop slightly in several cities, while remaining at a high level for early April.
The north of France will find values between 15 and 22°C, accompanied by showers. In the South-West, we will no longer see “only” 23°C at Tarbes17°C to Biarritz and 20°C at Bordeaux. Conversely, the thermometer will rise up to 25°C has Lyon, Montélimar et Gap.
This spring heatwave, as intense as it is brief, illustrates once again the very real consequences of climate change. With temperatures worthy of a month of June, this first weekend of April 2024 promises to be exceptionally hot for the season throughout the country.
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