France is experiencing a heatwave at the end of May that even experienced meteorologists find puzzling. While spring rains still fall elsewhere, large parts of the Grande Nation already have streets, squares, and house facades glowing as if in the middle of high summer. Responsible for this exceptional weather situation is a so-called “heat dome” that has settled over Western Europe for days and shows little movement.
On Tuesday, France broke the nationwide temperature record for the month of May for the second time in a row. And there is no sign yet of the extreme heat letting up. For Wednesday, weather services are even forecasting regional peak values of up to 39 degrees Celsius—especially in Poitou-Charentes, Centre-Val de Loire, and around the Mediterranean. In some places, the air now feels like that of an open oven. No breeze, hardly any cooling at night, instead shimmering heat over asphalt and fields.
Thirteen departments have now been placed under an orange heat warning. Affected are large parts of the French Atlantic coast as well as regions in the west of the country. These include, among others, Gironde, Vendée, Charente-Maritime, and Brittany with Finistère and Morbihan. Such temperatures are extremely unusual for the end of May in these areas. Many residents speak of weather that “no longer seems normal.”
The situation is particularly burdensome in cities. In Lyon, for example, the thermometer at a pharmacy showed 38 degrees as early as Tuesday. Those out and about sought shade like gold dust. Cafés were empty in many places in the afternoon, children splashed in fountains, and elderly people barricaded themselves behind lowered shutters. France is sweating—and tremendously so.
The consequences of the heat are no longer just unpleasant. According to the French government, seven people have already died as a result of the high temperatures. Five deaths are linked to swimming accidents, and two others died during sporting activities—one in Paris, another in the greater Lyon area. Authorities are therefore urging caution. Especially older people, children, and individuals with pre-existing conditions are considered particularly at risk.
Meteorologists are watching the development with growing concern. Such early and intense heat phases were still considered exceptional a few years ago. Meanwhile, these extreme weather situations are noticeably increasing. May, once synonymous with mild spring days and first picnics in the green, suddenly shows the face of high summer. Well—the climate no longer plays by the old rules.
And France? The country now hopes for thunderstorms and cooler air masses. But until then, it means: drink water, slow down, and somehow endure.
By Andreas M. Brucker