As a new heatwave sets in across France starting Monday, the Provence region has been experiencing continuous high temperatures since mid-June. Paul Marquis from e-meteo service warns that this week will see a significant escalation in temperatures, potentially reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius in the shade, with a tropical feel to the air.
"The heatwave has been relentless in Provence for nearly two months, and unfortunately, it does not appear to be letting up as this will be the most intense week of summer for us," cautioned Paul Marquis from e-meteo service. In an interview with ICI Provence, the independent weather expert from Bouches-du-Rhône provided a stark overview of the searing summer that has gripped the Southeast, stating, "We are about to reach a new level of heat. Since mid-June, we have been experiencing a climate similar to that of Marrakech. For us, this feels like our first heatwave, which is truly burdensome given that we are not accustomed to such prolonged periods of intense heat."
Tropical Nights and Scorching Days
Paul Marquis elaborated on the expected conditions, revealing that daytime temperatures will range from 35 to 40 degrees Celsius, particularly inland, while nighttime temperatures will remain uncomfortably high, reaching up to 27 degrees from Camargue to Toulon, passing through Marseille. He emphasized the impact of humidity on perceived temperatures, stating, "We will have very high humidity levels, resulting in a felt temperature that could easily reach between 40 to 45 degrees Celsius during the day. At night, the perceived temperature will not drop below 30 degrees in Bouches-du-Rhône and Var."
The humidity levels in the region are reminiscent of those typically found in tropical climates. "In the mornings along the coast, humidity can reach up to 80%. During the day, it will still hover between 40 to 70% humidity in the air," Marquis noted. This elevated humidity exacerbates the sensation of heat, leading to uncomfortable conditions characterized by stifling, nearly unbearable air.
Marquis pointed out that we are still in the year 2026, which serves as a reminder of the tangible effects of climate change in the Mediterranean. "We know that in the coming years, conditions are unlikely to improve. Thus, each summer may be hotter than the last," he added.
No Relief in Sight
According to Paul Marquis's forecasts, Provence will experience no respite from the heat until around August 16 or 17, based on the latest weather models. "We hold out hope for a return to seasonal temperatures. Instead of 35-40 degrees, we might see 30 to 35 degrees in the afternoon, and nighttime temperatures could range from 17-18 to 22-23 degrees. While this isn’t ideal, it’s certainly an improvement from 26 degrees at night and 35-40 during the day," he stated.
Thus, the scorching summer in Provence is far from over. "With the El Niño phenomenon expected to arrive this autumn, we anticipate strong heatwaves in September as well. Following that, starting in October, we expect repeated thunderstorms in the Southeast. This will transition us from a high risk of forest fires during the heatwave to a risk of hydrological issues and flooding without any warning this autumn," he warned.
As reported by ici.fr.
