Sub-zero temperatures recorded in Pic du Midi

France registered its second hottest June since 1900. But the Pic du Midi has just emerged from winter weather that started last Wednesday evening. The following few days saw plenty of wind, snow and temperatures in the minus on the peak that stands at an altitude of 2,877 metres.

In stark contrast, temperatures of 38°C were recorded nearby at the foot of the mountains.

The snowfall was short-lived, and the weather has stabilised to around 10°C, although it may sink as low as 0°C again this Saturday.

But as Gaétan Heymes, an employee of Météo France, pointed out, July snowfall in the Pic du Midi is far from exceptional.