Currently, Marseille and the Bouches-du-Rhône are preparing to welcome an unprecedented heat wave, with temperatures potentially reaching 37°C. This phenomenon is the result of a saharan rise that directly affects the local climate, bringing notable consequences for weather conditions in the region.
Weather forecast: towards a mercury level of 37°C
Starting this Wednesday, June 11, temperatures will rise significantly across the department. Forecasts indicate that the interior of the Bouches-du-Rhône will be particularly affected, where the thermometer could show as high as 37°C. The areas of Trets and Peyrolles-en-Provence will become hotspots, with a feeling well beyond seasonal norms.
The phenomenon of the heat plume
Meteorological expert Paul Marquis describes this phenomenon as a heat plume, a transient manifestation that should influence temperatures without settling permanently. Unlike a heat dome, this plume is characterized by a temporary increase in temperatures, without the risk of a return to oppressive heat in the long term.
Impact on Marseillaise nights
In this heat wave, the nights will not be spared. Nighttime temperatures could reach 19 to 21°C near the coast, creating a tropical atmosphere. These warm nights will mark an important turning point, as they make sleeping more difficult for many residents, who are accustomed to cooler evenings.
Origins of the phenomenon: the saharan rise
The main cause of this significant increase in temperatures is related to a rise of warm air from the Sahara. This warm air follows a path that crosses the Mediterranean, causing a strong warming of the air in its passage, which directly impacts local temperatures. Wednesday will mark a turning point, particularly with the sky still obscured by the smoke from Canadian wildfires that disturb the atmosphere.
This weather situation also underscores the importance of climatic phenomena that define our time. While the average temperature for the month of June in Marignane is 28°C, this announced surge of heat could become the first alert for the upcoming summer months, pushing locals to adapt to these new conditions.
Forecasts therefore indicate an increased vigilance for the following days, particularly regarding the risks of heat stroke, both for residents and tourists. Local authorities encourage all citizens to prepare for this intense heat and adopt responsible behaviors to protect their health.
The weather in Marseille and the Bouches-du-Rhône foreshadows a potential summer marked by abnormal heat levels. This orchestration between the local climate and external influences, such as the saharan rise, highlights the interconnectedness of our environment. In the face of these seasonal challenges, it is imperative that everyone becomes aware of the climatic fluctuations that are set to develop in the coming years, impacts that will be felt not only in the short term but also in the long term, shaping the living conditions of future generations.
