The arrival of September brought with it exceptionally warm temperatures in France. Météo-France announced that this month would be the hottest September ever recorded in the country’s history. With an average temperature of more than 21.5°C, the deviation from seasonal norms is estimated between 3.5 and 3.6°C. This record adds to a series of 20 consecutive months where temperatures are above normal.
According to climatologists, climate change plays an important role in this increase in temperatures. Greenhouse gas emissions, mainly caused by the use of fossil fuels, contribute to rising temperatures globally. In France, the temperature rise is estimated at around 1.8°C compared to the pre-industrial era, an increase higher than the global average.
In addition to climate change, the month of September was marked by a phenomenon of hot air rising from the Sahara. This combination led to exceptionally high temperatures, even exceeding those of July and August. France thus experienced its fourth hottest summer, with a late heatwave in August leaving a lasting impression.
And this heat wave doesn’t seem to be stopping there. Forecasts predict a warmer end to the year than normal in France. In October, many heat records could be broken, with seasonal anomalies sometimes exceeding 10 degrees.
These alarming figures underline the urgent need to act in the face of global warming. The consequences of this rise in temperatures are numerous: more frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, rising sea levels, among others. It is essential to take measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changes that are already underway.
The month of September 2023 will therefore go down in history as the hottest September in French history. A reality which only confirms the global trend of global warming which is affecting our planet. It is time to act to preserve our environment and ensure a better future for future generations.