Towns in southwest France experienced unprecedented heat in the early hours of Tuesday, with overnight temperatures soaring to a staggering 26.9°C (80.42°F).
Climatologists from Météo France have called the event “completely extreme,” pointing out that such high temperatures are rarely seen even during the peak of summer, let alone in late November.
Matthieu Sorel, a climatologist at Météo France, emphasized the exceptional nature of this heatwave, stating that the night-time temperatures were “staggering” and “phenomenal” for the time of year.
While Météo France couldn’t confirm whether it was the highest recorded November night temperature, the data suggested that the heat was historic.
“From what we can remember, we have never seen such temperatures during the night for this time of year,” Sorel added.
This extreme heat was primarily caused by the Föhn effect, a natural weather phenomenon in which warm air from North Africa and the Mediterranean descends on the French side of the Pyrenees.
The air compresses as it travels down the mountains, causing it to heat up even further.
Hot nights caused by climate change continue to affect Europe, leading to severe health risks.Combined with the effects of fossil fuel pollution, which has led to a 1.3°C increase in global temperatures since pre-industrial times, the event is a stark reminder of the escalating impact of climate change.
Notably, this extreme heat is part of a broader trend affecting Europe, which has warmed at twice the global average rate.
The consequences are already visible, from melting glaciers to drying reservoirs and dangerous heat waves.
The intense heat was felt across several towns, including Pau, Biarritz, and Tarbes, with temperatures well above 24°C in the early morning hours.
As climate change intensifies, the region is experiencing more frequent and severe tropical nights, with temperatures above 20°C.
These hot nights not only disrupt sleep but can also have serious health implications, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The European Environment Agency warns that by the end of the century, Europe could face up to 100 tropical nights annually under the most extreme global heating scenarios.