The year 2024 marks a climatic turning point in France, with high temperatures and record rainfall, according to data from Météo-France. According to the annual report of the official meteorological and climatological service in France, 2024 is expected to be among the ten rainiest years and one of the five hottest ever recorded in the country. And this is despite a considerable lack of sunshine. This phenomenon raises questions about the impacts of climate change and the relevance of current policies.
Record heat despite whimsical weather
With a provisional average temperature of 14°C, 2024 is shaping up to be one of the five warmest years...
hot in France since 1900, behind the year 2022 with an average of 14.5°C, and 2023 which recorded an average of 14.4°C. During certain times of the year, temperatures even exceeded 40°C, while in the plains, they did not drop below -15°C. These readings reflect the general trend of an accelerated warming observed since 2010, with nine of the ten hottest years occurring after this date.Nouveauté dans le bilan #climat cette année : Météo-France a analysé comment se situe 2024 par rapport à la trajectoire de référence pour l’adaptation au changement climatique.
— Météo-France (@meteofrance) December 19, 2024
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Results that might surprise you when you know that the French have not seen the sun as little as this in 30 years, with a sunlight deficit of 10% compared to the 1991-2020 average. This year is also notable for an excess of rainfall of 15% compared to normal averages, making 2024 one of the rainiest years since 1959. In particular, major flooding in several regions has highlighted climate instability and its impacts on infrastructure and daily life. This deluge of rain contrasts sharply with the year 2022, which was marked by a record precipitation deficit (-24% compared to normals).
A worrying trend for the future
This combination of heat and rain doesn’t seem to be an exception. According to Météo-France, such conditions could become the norm.
by 2050 if greenhouse gas emissions continue to impact the climate. While rainfall forecasts vary from one region to another, periods of drought and flooding will remain significant challenges in the years to come.
