Heatwave: Brittany's Île de Bréhat spared with 22°C temperatures

As a severe heatwave grips France, with temperatures soaring to 37°C in Paris and 35°C in Lyon, the island of Bréhat in Brittany stands out as a remarkable exception. This northern Breton island is enjoying mild, seasonable temperatures, reaching just 22°C on Thursday afternoon, according to La Chaîne Météo.

This stark contrast is occurring while 58 departments are under heatwave or thunderstorm alerts, forcing schools to adjust schedules. Bréhat, however, remains largely unaffected by the extreme heat. The phenomenon responsible for this meteorological anomaly is "advection fog." This occurs when the air temperature differs significantly from the temperature of the English Channel, leading to the formation of a low-lying cloud layer that hovers close to the island.

This persistent fog acts as a natural air conditioner, keeping temperatures significantly lower than inland areas. Winds on the island's coast are gusting up to 20 kilometers per hour, according to La Chaîne Météo. This cooling effect is predicted to continue throughout the weekend, with temperatures expected to remain around 20°C.

Even the day before, Bréhat experienced a similar reprieve, with temperatures not exceeding 18°C in the late afternoon. The surrounding coastal areas of Brittany are also benefiting from this cooler climate. With France bracing for what is expected to be the hottest solstice ever recorded, the island of Bréhat might become a sought-after haven for those seeking relief from the oppressive heat.