October Weather in France: A Record-Breaking Month
October 2024 has proven to be an exceptionally wet and warm month for France, with Météo France reporting a staggering 40% increase in rainfall compared to seasonal averages. This follows a notably rainy September, which recorded the wettest conditions in 25 years. The average rainfall across the country reached 132 mm, with certain regions experiencing even more extreme conditions. For instance, areas such as the Var and Nice hinterland saw rainfall exceeding normal levels by more than three times, while the Paris Basin recorded double the average precipitation.
Impact of Storms and Flooding
The month was marked by three significant rainfall events, particularly the remnants of Hurricane Kirk on October 9, which contributed to severe flooding in Île-de-France. Other notable episodes included a record-breaking rain event in the Ardèche region, where the accumulated rainfall set new records for two days. The situation was exacerbated by the already saturated ground from September's rains, leading to widespread flooding across various regions.
The final week of October brought additional rain to the Pyrénées-Orientales, with 132 mm measured in just 24 hours in Perpignan, accounting for half of the total rainfall for the year. While the rain caused disruptions and flooding, it also provided relief to areas that had been dry.
Temperature and Sunshine Deficits
Despite the heavy rainfall, temperatures in October were notably above average, with an increase of 1.6°C compared to the norms established from 1991-2020. This October ranks as the ninth warmest since records began, following two previous warm Octobers in 2022 and 2023. The month was characterized by higher minimum temperatures, particularly in the center-east and southeast regions of France.
In terms of sunshine, the country experienced a 20% deficit overall, with the exception of Brittany and the Normandy coast, which enjoyed slightly more sunshine than usual. The lack of sunshine, combined with the high temperatures and excess rainfall, highlights the ongoing impacts of climate change that are altering weather patterns across France.
