For several weeks, the fire season in Canada has been launched. But since Sunday, June 25, 2023, large clouds of smoke have invaded the sky of Montreal, according to information collected by Le Figaro. The authorities then recommended wearing a mask in public spaces, judging the air too polluted.
But at the same time, the cloud of smoke also drifted to Europe. Indeed, the prevailing winds from across the Atlantic are responsible for this extent. Since June 27, 2023, these fine particles have reached the sky of French territory. Indeed, La Chaîne Météo explained to the national daily that “three quarters of the country are affected by the smoke on Tuesday, the whole of France will be in the days to come”. What are the experts’ predictions? Is there a major risk for France?
If these fumes have started to invade the French sky, they have not yet reached their peak in France. Indeed, according to Alexandre Isgro, meteorologist for La Chaîne Météo, “it is especially from Wednesday that the concentrations of carbon monoxide (odorless and invisible gas which mixes in the air and is particularly toxic) and fine particles should be the most important”. Moreover, before arriving in France, the cloud of smoke first passed through New York three weeks earlier.
These fumes should continue their trajectory. Indeed, the latter should reach the Mediterranean rim before heading towards other countries. “Caught in a rapid northwesterly flow, they will hit Corsica, then Algeria and Tunisia between Friday evening and Saturday,” said Alexandre Isgro. But what are the risks for France? Should we also wear masks to protect against polluted air? And what are the first regions affected?
As of Tuesday June 27, 2023, Île-de-France presented a particularly cloudy sky due to plumes of smoke. But other regions are already affected. Indeed, arriving by the Atlantic, the smoke moved to Brittany. Thus, Air Breizh, responsible for the region’s forecasts, specified that the latter could degrade the air quality in this area. The Pays de la Loire are also already affected by this haze.
But according to France 3, New Aquitaine should be affected by Wednesday evening June 28. Nevertheless, forecasters in the region are closely monitoring the phenomenon to assess the potential dangers. But what are the possible consequences according to meteorologists?
According to Météo-France and La Chaîne Météo, these fumes are mainly in the upper atmosphere and do not approach the ground for the moment. Indeed, the latter are located “between 3,000 and 4,000 meters above sea level, pushed by the jet current, this strong current located in the upper atmosphere”, announces Alexandre Isgro. Nevertheless, some of the particles could approach the ground in the coming days and alter air quality.
“Although low, the health risk should be monitored for those most at risk,” he announced. However, the path traveled by these clouds of smoke reduces their impact on other countries. Indeed, coupled with the high pressures and a weak wind caused by the anticyclone, the polluted air is strongly diluted. The degradation should therefore be short-lived. Meteorologists will provide more details in the coming days regarding air quality in France.
