Summary
As dawn broke on Thursday, September 12, 2024, the chill of autumn gripped France, sending temperatures plummeting as low as 1.2 °C in Mourmelon-le-Grand, a full 8 °C below the typical September norm. Under the influence of a biting polar air mass heralding from the icy reaches of Greenland and Iceland, the entire metropolitan landscape felt the sharp nip of winter’s early breath. By midday, the cold continued to cast its shadow over the nation, with lofty peaks and northern terrains particularly affected. The European weather model, ECMWF, unveiled unsupported forecasts of frigid temperatures plunging to -6 °C in the majestic Alps. As the sun rose high, the mercury meandered to a modest 7 °C in Aurillac, nudging up to 14 °C only in the bustling heart of Rennes. A shift in the afternoon promised a quick dip into even chillier realms as temperatures began their descent once again, beckoning the evening chill. The predictions for 8 PM featured numbers that felt more appropriate for November: 6 °C in the gentle embrace of Gap, and 9 °C lingering in Aurillac and Argentan, stark reminders of nature’s capricious temperament. The accompanying weather disturbances were set to brush against Hauts-de-France and Normandie, further intensifying the crisper conditions. Meteorologist Yann Amice, from Weather’n’Co, remarked on this unusual spectacle: “It’s remarkable to witness such a drastic dip this early in September. Based on the last 20-25 years of climate data, we are edging towards a record-setting arrival of such cold air this time of year.” This striking shift was a feat last encountered back in 1972, according to the archives of Météo France. However, hope flickers like a candle in the grasp of winter’s chill, as October whispers the promise of warmer days ahead, encouraging the citizens of France to brace for the transient beauty of the evolving seasons.
Original Source: www.ouest-france.fr
