On Tuesday, unusually high temperatures reminiscent of summer were recorded in several regions of southwestern France, as reported by AFP. Numerous locations set records for February 24, with thermometers reading just below 30 degrees Celsius. In the town of Orthez, located in the foothills of the Pyrenees, temperatures reached 28.3 degrees Celsius, marking the highest value recorded since the weather station began operations there in 1994. This surpasses the previous February record of 27.1 degrees, established in 2020.

The seaside resort of Biarritz witnessed a temperature of 27 degrees Celsius, 14 degrees above the seasonal average. Inland areas also experienced warm conditions, with temperatures reaching 26 degrees Celsius in Pau, 25 in Mont-de-Marsan, and 22 in Toulouse. Meteorologist Régis Crépet explained the rapid increase in temperatures as a result of changing wind patterns, as winds shifted from the north to the south. A mass of warm air from North Africa approached France, losing some moisture as it crossed the Pyrenees and further warming up. This phenomenon accounts for the particularly high temperatures in the southwest, which in some places exceeded forecasts.

The record-breaking February heat wave raises questions about the long-term implications of climate change and its impact on seasonal temperature patterns. With meteorological events like this becoming more common, the need for adaptation and response strategies in various sectors, including health and agriculture, becomes increasingly urgent. As such unusual weather patterns are observed more frequently, both local and national agencies may need to reassess their approaches to climate preparedness and public safety guidelines.