science

This almost summer-like interlude is due to warm air rising from Africa

Temperatures, nearly 6 degrees above normal, also make it possible to have a coffee on a terrace.

europe, jusqu, ouest, arcachon, gironde, novembre, degrés, sud-ouest

Key facts

  • Temperatures, nearly 6 degrees above normal, also make it possible to have a coffee on a terrace. Locals, too, are savoring the relative mildness of…
  • This almost summer-like interlude is due to surges of warm air from Africa reaching the region via southwestern Europe. The short-lived phenomenon…
  • The basin almost has a summer feel for tourists from Russia, who are attempting a decidedly chilly swim. Tourists and residents are making the most…

Temperatures, nearly 6 degrees above normal, also make it possible to have a coffee on a terrace. Locals, too, are savoring the relative mildness of this November morning.

This almost summer-like interlude is due to surges of warm air from Africa reaching the region via southwestern Europe. The short-lived phenomenon offers residents and visitors alike a day off under a mild sky.

The basin almost has a summer feel for tourists from Russia, who are attempting a decidedly chilly swim. Tourists and residents are making the most of this respite before the forecast return of rain.

He and his family, who came from Corrèze, hit the road the day before for one last beach day before winter.

A family from Cap Ferret also plans to take advantage of this public holiday and this exceptional weather, which is not expected to last.

The mild weather is not expected to settle in, however: after the afternoon highs, the first rains are expected late in the day in the Southwest.

Dig deeper

What is a surge of warm air coming from Africa?

It is a mass of mild air that moves up from the African continent toward southwestern Europe and drives temperatures well above normal, here by about 6 degrees.

Why are we talking about southwestern Europe?

It is through this gateway that the warm air reaches the region, before giving way, late in the day, to the first rains forecast in the Southwest.

What is Corrèze?

A department of Limousin, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, far from the coast: the family mentioned therefore made the trip the day before for one last day at the beach.

What is Cap Ferret?

A peninsula in Gironde that closes off the Arcachon basin: a family originally from there is enjoying this public holiday and this exceptional weather, which is not expected to last.

What are Russian tourists doing here?

Having come from Russia, they are attempting a still-cool swim in a basin that almost has the feel of summer, like the local residents, before the rain returns.

Will this mild weather last?

No: the phenomenon is short-lived and, after the afternoon highs, the first rains are expected late in the day in the Southwest.

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