Heat wave in France illustrates temperature swings made more common by climate change
France experienced an unprecedented May heat wave, with temperatures soaring above 30°C nationwide and records broken in cities like Capbreton, Belin-Béliet, and Nantes, as climate change intensifies sudden weather shifts. Météo-France warned this early, intense heat episode—peaking near 35°C in the southwest—marks a new pattern of extreme temperature swings, surpassing previous May records by up to 12°C.
France is battling an early and intense heat wave, with temperatures exceeding 30°C across most of the country after a cool start to May. The southwest, particularly the south of Aquitaine, is expected to reach 35°C by Monday or Tuesday, while cities like Nantes, La Rochelle, and Brest may hit 35°C, 34°C, and 33°C respectively—10°C to 15°C above normal. May temperature records have already been shattered, with Capbreton recording 35.2°C, Belin-Béliet 35.1°C, and Angoulême 32.9°C. Météo-France forecaster Patrick Gallois described the heat episode as 'never before seen in May,' noting its early arrival, intensity, and longevity. The national temperature indicator is projected to exceed 24°C, surpassing the previous May record of 22.9°C set in 2017. This shift from autumn-like chill to summer heat underscores climate change’s role in accelerating extreme weather events. The heat is spreading along the Atlantic coast, with forecasts indicating prolonged high temperatures over the Pentecost weekend. The phenomenon, described as a 'heat dome,' highlights how climate change is making sudden temperature swings more common. Experts warn that such extreme conditions may become more frequent in the coming years as global warming intensifies.
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