The drought has affected a large number of regions in France for several months. Particularly the Pyrénées-Orientales. In Perpignan, only 3 millimeters of rain has fallen since March 18, compared to more than 60 millimeters on average in normal times. The drought alert is at level 3 out of 4 on the water restriction scale.
Christine Berne, climatologist at Météo-France, recalls that the geographical location of the Pyrénées-Orientales leads to a low rainfall rate in the region. But never at such a low level: "For example, the department has often benefited from stormy situations or Mediterranean episodes in the fall or at the end of winter. This time there was none at all. » A situation that extends over the entire Mediterranean region. "Since the beginning of the year, it's a record. In eighty years of statistics, we have never had such a rainy period. »
In addition to the rainfall deficit, the rise in temperatures began in the spring of 2022. "Behind, the scorching summer followed and the month of October was extremely hot for the season, with peaks at 30°C", recalls the climatologist . To make matters worse, in recent days, a hot surge from North Africa – the same as Spain is experiencing – is progressing to the southwestern quarter of France. This further worsens the condition of the soil.
