Sud-Ouest

The Sud-Ouest region of France is experiencing unusually warm weather for early April. News reports highlight a return of "fortes chaleurs" (strong heat) with temperatures exceeding 30°C in several cities. This is newsworthy because such high temperatures are rare so early in the year, with the 30°C threshold only being crossed nine times since 1955 in early April. Météo-France predicts a further increase in temperatures, forecasting 25 to 29°C, and locally up to 30°C, starting from Easter Monday. This "quasi-summer period" is significant as it occurs within a context of climate change, raising concerns about the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The early heatwave is relevant due to its potential impact on agriculture, water resources, and public health, and serves as a reminder of the ongoing climate crisis.