‘Un soleil de plomb’: Our French expression of the week

As France’s third heatwave of the year gets underway, we look at a phrase used to describe the hot weather

We look at a French expression used to describe a very hot day
Emma Morgan
Published Last updated

The southern half of France is set to experience its third heatwave of the year this week, after a first in June and a second in July.

Temperatures are expected to sit around 35-38C in the southeastern areas of the country, with some places seeing highs of 39-40C.

The northern half of the country will experience 30C heat, with only Brittany and the area around the Channel seeing temperatures below this threshold.

Read more: Five French departments on heatwave alert as high temperatures return

If the sun’s heat grows to feel oppressive during the day, it could be described as a ‘soleil de plomb’ (literally: a lead sun).

This phrase is used to describe a heat which is so intense it seems to weigh down on you and make you feel tired.

It is as if there is a lead weight in the air.

This expression has been used since 1835 with reference to the sun, and since 1842 with reference to the heat.

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