Up to 37°C on Sunday: Heatwave maps for this weekend

France is bracing for an exceptional heatwave that arrives a month ahead of schedule, signaling a dramatic early start to summer. Driven by a potent anticyclone, the heat is set to blanket much of the country, with the Southwest bearing the brunt of the extreme temperatures. Localities in the Landes region could see mercury climb to a scorching 35°C by Friday, and potentially soar to 37°C by Sunday. These figures are not just high; they represent a stark departure from the norm, with some forecasts suggesting temperatures could be as much as 14°C above the 1991-2020 seasonal average.

The unusual intensity and early arrival of this heatwave are cause for concern, particularly given the potential impact on public health and infrastructure. While Paris will experience milder temperatures around 27°C, the sustained high night-time temperatures, such as a predicted 25°C around 3 a.m. in La Rochelle, suggest little respite for many.

Adding to the concern is the projection that this is not a fleeting event. Early forecasts for Monday indicate a further intensification of the heat, with expectations that these summery conditions will persist for a significant portion of the coming week. This prolonged period of extreme heat, so early in the season, underscores the growing challenges posed by climate change and the need for adaptation strategies to cope with increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.