France Braces for Potential July Heatwave Amid Sahara Air Forecast

France is anticipating a possible third heatwave this summer, with meteorological agencies forecasting a high probability of "new surges of scorching air from the Sahara" starting around July 10. After a brief cooling trend next week, extreme temperatures could return, potentially lasting until July 14.

“

there are strong probabilities that from the week after next [July 6], we will return to extreme heat until July 14.

Monique Barbut, the Minister for Ecological Transition, confirmed this scenario based on Météo France's predictions. She indicated that a third heatwave is being considered, following two intense periods in late May and the latter half of June. This outlook aligns with long-term forecasts for a particularly hot summer.

“

We expected, with the long-term forecasts, a particularly hot summer.

Régis Crépet, a meteorologist at La Chaîne Météo, stated that while next week offers a relative temperature decrease, "we remain above seasonal averages." He elaborated that after July 10, "it is entirely plausible that we will see new surges of scorching air from the Sahara towards France." Some weather models suggest a heatwave could resume around July 10, peaking near the July 14 holiday.

“

it is entirely plausible that we will see new surges of scorching air from the Sahara towards France.

This phenomenon involves a low-pressure system off the Iberian Peninsula and a high-pressure system over Western Europe. The anticyclone acts like a "lid of dense air," trapping hot air over France. This "cold drop" could function as a "heat pump," drawing Saharan air northward and significantly raising temperatures. The combination of already hot conditions and drying soils, which reduces evaporation, exacerbates the risk of new heatwaves, creating a cycle of heat and drought.

“

This cold drop could act as a new heat pump, with a southerly flow bringing a subsaharan air mass, and consequently temperatures rising sharply.