An amazing phenomenon, but not exceptional, in contrast to episodes of high temperatures

Snow reappears at altitude during the last weekend of August in the Alps and Pyrenees, a phenomenon particularly visible in Val Thorens, Alpes d’Huez or Andorra. It is not uncommon for snow to fall at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters at the end of August, reports Meteo France. This has already happened, and the Rhea, which has started to rain from Aquitaine to the Alps, is causing snowflakes at high altitudes.

The episode of heat that precedes a snowfall is even more extraordinary. France witnessed, during the week from 21 to 27 August, The four hottest days on record After August 15th. This is not normal and we can see the effect of global warming.

“attribution science”

By practicing attribution science, scientists can prove with certainty that there is a link between some exceptional weather events (such as the August heat) and climate change. This research has been developing around the world for nearly 20 years. The method consists of Comparison of the probability of occurrence of some current extreme weather events (heat wave, fire, storm) indicates the probability that this weather event will occur in an imaginary world in which no climate change has occurred.

The researchers created simulated models of the pre-industrial climate, a time when greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels were not yet affecting the atmosphere, and they also look at how weather factors such as ocean temperature, humidity or wind strength evolved over the years. past decades.

Thanks to this attribution science, the researchers of the National Center for Scientific Research were able to confirm the link, for example, between climate change due to human activities and the exceptional drought in the summer of 2022. For another example, an international team was able to confirm, recently, that global warming occurred Wildfires in Canada are seven times more likely.

Be aware of the consequences

It is important to be able to correlate certain extreme events with climate change with certainty as this helps to better understand the consequences and responsibilities of certain activities that emit greenhouse gases. In the event of floods or fires, can victims legally turn on the major polluters? This question is likely to be asked more and more often. In addition, this work also makes it possible to better predict hurricanes, heat waves or floods in a warm climate, thus better protecting residents.