While in the context of anthropogenic global warming, episodes of extreme heat are multiplying and intensifying, a look back at the history of heat waves in France. That of 2003 still remains the most severe of all.
You will also be interested
[EN VIDÉO] Heat wave or heatwave: what’s the difference? In summer, we hear about heat peaks, heat waves and heat waves. The difference is not obvious, but it does come into play for weather alerts or health vigilance plans.
Scientists say it, in the context of anthropogenic global warming, we should expect heat waves and heat waves both more frequent and more intense. Some have already started to make an impression.
But before going further, a small semantic point is perhaps necessary. Remember that a peak of heat corresponds to a rise in temperature above normal. But for a short time, between 24 and 48 hours. To speak of a heat wave, high temperatures must be maintained for several days. Weather report France evokes a national thermal indicator – defined from thirty weather stations spread over the territory – of at least 25.3 ° C for at least three days. The term heatwave applies to an episode of high temperatures for at least three days, there too. But day and night.
At the end of July 2022, 45 heat waves had been recorded in France. A 46e was underway in early August. And already, a 47e announced.
In 1911, Europe experienced an intense heat wave that killed some 40,000 people. For almost two and a half months – from the beginning of July to mid-September – the temperatures were stifling, on several occasions above 35°C in Paris and without dropping below 30°C for several days in many cities.
Increasingly numerous, intense and long heat waves
The June 2022 heat wave was the earliest on record. Since 1947, therefore.
In 1947, precisely, France experienced a memorable heat wave. Between July 22 and August 4. Temperatures above 40°C over a large part of the country. A temperature record had been reached in Paris. It had been 40.4 ° C on July 28, 1947. A record that will only be broken during the 2019 episode.
The July 1983 heat wave was notable for its duration. No less than 23 days!
But for now, the most severe heat wave – an assessment that takes into account both the intensity and the duration – that France has experienced remains that of August 2003. A sad memory with its more than 15,000 deaths. It was then very hot, for twelve days – between August 2 and 14 – and over the whole country. The July 2019 heat wave was of comparable intensity, but shorter – ” only “ five days between July 21 and 26. On August 5, 2003 and again on July 25, 2019, France experienced an average temperature of 29.4°C! They remain the hottest days ever recorded in our country.
But these numbers are subject to change. In the context of anthropogenic global warming, indeed, the frequency and intensity of heat waves are expected to increase. If we are unable to limit our emissions of greenhouse gas, heat waves will become more intense, longer, more severe. And this over a period that could extend from May to October!
Already, Météo France notes that over the past 35 years, heat waves have been three times more numerous than in the previous 35 years. And that the days of heat wave have been multiplied by nine.
Interested in what you just read?