Heat records across France: a summer weekend in the middle of October

The month of October sometimes has surprises in store for us, and this year is no exception. Indeed, last weekend was marked by temperature records reached in several French cities.

Unusual weather trend for an autumn month

While the weather forecast had predicted an autumnal start to the week with relatively low and rainy temperatures, the weather changed completely on Friday, offering the French a taste of Indian summer.

This heat wave remarkable for a month of October started in the middle of last week and continued throughout the weekend.

The 30°C mark was even crossed in certain parts of the country, confounding observers’ expectations and surprising residents.

Temperatures worthy of June or July

According to Météo-France, the newly measured values ​​“are higher than since the daily maximums were recorded”. These statements show exceptional heat peaks, comparable to those that can be observed during heatwave days in the middle of the summer season.

Concretely, this translates into temperatures of up to 33°C in the southwest, 25 to 28°C in the north and east of France, and even 30 to 31°C in certain regions such as Pays de la Loire.

These values ​​are therefore similar to those observed in June or July during heatwave episodes that any French person knows well.

Local records broken throughout the territory

Throughout the weekend, several cities experienced local heat records.

1. In Bordeaux, we recorded 30.8°C. This figure far exceeds the city’s previous record for the month of October dating from 2009 (29.5°C).
2. Likewise, Toulouse also broke its own record with 32.4°C measured this Sunday. The old reference dated from 1985 with 29.6°C. Here, it is a difference of almost 3°C.
3. Nice is not to be outdone: this city on the Côte d’Azur saw its temperature rise to 29.1°C. The previous record was measured at 28.6°C in 2007. More generally, the PACA region recorded 25 to 27°C on average, making this beautiful summer day ideal for enjoying the beaches that are still swimmable.

Also high temperatures in the rest of Europe

It should be noted that this heat wave was not limited only to France, as other European cities also recorded remarkable values ​​for the beginning of October.

Thus, London experienced a peak of 26°C this Sunday and Berlin had a temperature of 25°C. Same observation for Spain with Madrid and its 28.6°C or even Barcelona which reached 27.5°C.

Increased risk of drought: the consequences on the environment

This summer weather in the middle of autumn highlights a sometimes worrying aspect of climate change.

Indeed, these heat peaks can cause episodes of drought throughout the year, thus posing numerous environmental problems such as:

• Forest fires, particularly during heatwaves
• Drying of watercourses which could have impacts on aquatic fauna and flora
• A lack of drinking water in certain regions affected by long periods of drought
• Water supply problems for agriculture and livestock

All of this therefore highlights the importance of taking action to address the potentially devastating long-term effects of climate change on our planet.

A start to the week that finds a semblance of normality

In view of the information given by Météo France, the new record established this Sunday could well be an indicator of a new trend to come for future years. However, it is still too early to establish a real link between this measurement and the progression of climate change on a global level.

This Monday in any case marks the return of more usual temperatures for the period: according to the forecasts, we should expect several days of rain followed by a general slight cooling from Wednesday.

In the meantime, this warm interlude will have had the merit of warming the hearts and minds of the French after a rather unique year. But we can bet that we will probably be treated to a few other weather surprises in the coming months…