February heat records shattered across south-west France as temperatures soar well above seasonal norms
Temperatures in south-west France soared to record-breaking highs this week, with Orthez reaching 28.3°C — up to 14 degrees above seasonal norms.
After weeks of wet, wintry weather, temperatures in south-west France surged on Tuesday, smashing February heat records, according to Meteo France.
Listen to this article
The southern town of Orthez recorded 28.3°C, its highest February temperature ever.
Nearby cities also saw record-breaking warmth, with Biarritz reaching 27°C and Pau 26°C — up to 14 degrees above the seasonal average.
Meteorologists described the unusual heat as “spring-like” for February, warning that temperatures, already high for the season, continued to climb through Wednesday.
Scientists attribute the soaring temperatures to rising greenhouse gas emissions driving global warming.
This unexpected warmth follows one of France’s wettest Februaries on record, marking a sharp shift from weeks of rainy, wintry conditions in the region.