Summer 2020 in France to be hotter than normal

Although the map released does not predict exact temperatures, it shows there is a 50% likelihood of “probable heat” throughout France, with the hottest temperatures likely to be in the southwest and Corsica.

The northwest of the country (Pays de la Loire, Brittany, Normandy, Picardie and Nord Pas de Calais) are likely to experience "normal" temperatures in June, July and August - according to the map.

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Summer heatwaves

Although it is too early to say whether France will experience heatwaves this summer, it seems probable.

Summer 2019 saw heatwaves throughout France, with temperatures rising to rise to a record-breaking 46° Celsius in Roussillon (Vaucluse).

Prior to this, in 2018, a two-week heatwave in July and August was classed as the second hottest in French history. This ranking has now gone to France’s 2003 heatwave, which saw temperatures hit over 40°C in Toulouse, Bordeaux, Limoges and Montauban.

Spring and winter temperatures also higher than normal

This spring has already seen high temperatures and sunny weather throughout France caused, this week, by an anticyclone over the British Isles. The good weather should continue during the bank holiday weekend, this weekend, the forecast has predicted.

This spring has been the second warmest in French history, with temperatures on average 1.8°C higher than normal.

Weather forecaster François Jobard said: “We’re following the most gentle winter with the second warmest spring in history. It’s remarkable…It’s obviously one of the symptoms of global warming.”

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