Heatwaves in France: earlier, hotter, longer
"We have observed, in a very well-documented manner, that heatwaves are occurring earlier and earlier, longer and longer, and more intense," Météo-France forecaster François Gourand told
Franceinfo
.
Although heatwaves are far from a new phenomenon, Météo France's records show that they are becoming more and more common as global temperatures rise.
READ ALSO
'Avoid iced water and air-conditioning on max' - How the French stay cool in a heatwave
Between 1947 and 2024, national forecaster Météo-France recorded 49 heatwaves - defined in France as an episode where temperatures are abnormally high for several days.
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READ ALSO How hot will it get in France this summer?
Between 1947 and 1957, four heat waves were recorded. This figure has increased fivefold over the last 10 years, from 2014 to 2024. They will become increasingly common by the end of the century.
By 2050, when France will already be, on average, 2.7C warmer than the pre-industrial period, the number of heatwave days will increase fivefold again, according to Météo-France.
And tenfold in a France 4C hotter than the pre-industrial period, by 2100. To put that into perspective, we're currently running at around 1.7C above pre-industrial norms.
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In Maps: The five worst French cities to spend a heatwave in
Climate change is making France hotter on average. But heatwaves will get more intense. To calculate a national heatwave, Météo-France runs the numbers of the national heat index – it must exceed 25.3C for one day and 23.4C for at least three days for the French forecaster to declare a heatwave.
Back during the deadly 16-day heatwave in 2003, when temperatures above 40C were recorded in Toulouse, Lyon, Dax and Orange, the national heat index rose past 29C. In 2019, a heatwave of shorter duration – when a new local record high temperature of 46C was set in the Hérault, the national heat index was higher still.
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How to get a good night's sleep in a French heatwave
Beyond their accelerated frequency and intensity, these heatwaves are starting to hit France earlier and later in the summer. A mid-June heatwave such as the one we're entering here, which was once considered unseasonably early, is now increasingly common – while it has also become more common in recent years to experience these weather phenomena after August 15th.
Our children, and our children's children are likely to endure heatwaves from mid-May all the way through to the end of September, experts warn.
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Heatwaves in France: earlier, hotter, longer
"We have observed, in a very well-documented manner, that heatwaves are occurring earlier and earlier, longer and longer, and more intense," Météo-France forecaster François Gourand told Franceinfo . Although heatwaves are far from a new phenomenon, Météo France's records show that they are becoming more and more common as global temperatures rise. READ ALSO 'Avoid iced water and air-conditioning on max' - How the French stay cool in a heatwave Between 1947 and 2024, national forecaster Météo-France recorded 49 heatwaves - defined in France as an episode where temperatures are abnormally high for several days. Advertisement READ ALSO How hot will it get in France this summer? Between 1947 and 1957, four heat waves were recorded. This figure has increased fivefold over the last 10 years, from 2014 to 2024. They will become increasingly common by the end of the century. By 2050, when France will already be, on average, 2.7C warmer than the pre-industrial period, the number of heatwave days will increase fivefold again, according to Météo-France. And tenfold in a France 4C hotter than the pre-industrial period, by 2100. To put that into perspective, we're currently running at around 1.7C above pre-industrial norms. READ ALSO In Maps: The five worst French cities to spend a heatwave in Climate change is making France hotter on average. But heatwaves will get more intense. To calculate a national heatwave, Météo-France runs the numbers of the national heat index – it must exceed 25.3C for one day and 23.4C for at least three days for the French forecaster to declare a heatwave. Back during the deadly 16-day heatwave in 2003, when temperatures above 40C were recorded in Toulouse, Lyon, Dax and Orange, the national heat index rose past 29C. In 2019, a heatwave of shorter duration – when a new local record high temperature of 46C was set in the Hérault, the national heat index was higher still. READ ALSO How to get a good night's sleep in a French heatwave Beyond their accelerated frequency and intensity, these heatwaves are starting to hit France earlier and later in the summer. A mid-June heatwave such as the one we're entering here, which was once considered unseasonably early, is now increasingly common – while it has also become more common in recent years to experience these weather phenomena after August 15th. Our children, and our children's children are likely to endure heatwaves from mid-May all the way through to the end of September, experts warn.
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