Eight years ago a weather forecaster issued a stark warning for the future, predicting that by 2050 temperatures could be reaching new heights in many parts of France due to the climate crisis.
Such predictions are mostly used for demonstration purposes only, encouraging others to take action so the dire situation doesn't come to pass.
However, in this instance, it seems not only has the prediction come true, it has done so almost 30 years sooner than expected.
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In 2014, French weather presenter Évelyne Dhéliat predicted that by August 2050, parts of France would be reaching temperatures of up to 43ºC.
Ominously, the prediction could well be coming true here in June 2022, as France is currently sweltering its way through a heatwave and just recorded its earliest reading of 40ºC in history, the Independent reports.
Cities like Nantes and Tours, in the western region of France, could be set to see the mercury hit 43ºC this Saturday, 18 June. While in Paris, the country's capital, Saturday could be the hottest June day so far, as temperatures are predicted to reach around 38-39ºC, breaking the previous June record, which was set in 1947.
According to the country's national forecaster, Météo France, the current heatwave and surge of hot air in western Europe is being caused by an Atlantic low-pressure system between the Azores islands and Madeira.
France's last major heatwave was in July 2019, during which time Paris saw the mercury reach a record high of 42.6ºC. Across two heatwaves in the summer months that year, more than a thousand people died, according to the country's Ministry of Health.
Elsewhere in Europe, Spain is seeing high temperatures of around 43ºC in Seville and Córdoba, while Madrid and Barcelona are being warned of temperatures also getting up towards 40ºC.
Here in the UK, today, 17 June, has been the hottest day of the year so far, as temperatures reached 32ºC in London. As a result, a level three heatwave alert is in place for south-east England.
Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon told The Guardian temperatures in the low 30s at this time of year are 'not unprecedented, but it is unusual to see temperatures this high this early in the year'. Today's temperatures are the highest the UK has seen since summer 2020; as a result, advice has been issued on how to stay cool in the hot weather.
Dixon added, however, 'there is a shift on the way, with a cold front moving in from the north bringing a more unsettled feeling for many on Saturday'.
Topics: Weather
Charlie Cocksedge