A major fire started on Tuesday, August 5 in the Aude department on Tuesday, August 5 and its progression was explosive. Despite the weakening of the wind this Wednesday, the weather forecasts will not help the firefighters enough.
This Wednesday morning, the fire, located in the center of the Aude department, had already traveled 13,000 hectares, more than the area of Paris!
While at least one victim is already to be deplored, more than 2,000 firefighters fight against the flames.
In addition to suffering from an extremely extreme drought on a part of its territory, Aude is one of the most windy departments in France. This Tuesday, the Aude had been placed on a red alert for the risk of fire, the maximum level. The risk is less strong this Wednesday, slightly descended due to a lower wind, but it remains high (orange). This Thursday, the risk will continue to drop, with a moderate (yellow) fire level.
However, just 30 km/h of wind is enough to facilitate the departure of a leaf, or worsen it:
- This Wednesday: the tramontane will blow at 30, even 40 km/h;
- Thursday: the tramontane will fade, but the wind of Autan will rise: this wind which is less dry than the tramontane because it is the extension of the sea wind (therefore less at risk) will blow at 30 km/h, locally 40 km/h;
- Friday: the wind of Autan will strengthen slightly, it will blow at 40 km/h;
- Saturday: the wind of Autan will continue to blow at 30-40 km/h;
- Sunday: the forecasts are uncertain, but the tramontane (a very dry wind therefore) could make its return and blow at 30-40 km/h, according to meteometéo France.
Dry and hotter weather
No precipitation is expected, the weather will remain very dry: in the department, the precipitation deficit premises reached -25 % since the start of the year. Temperatures will remain high: 30 to 33 ° C until Friday, up to 35 ° C Saturday and 38 ° C Sunday. With such conditions, it is likely that Aude’s fire is still resisting until weekend, or even more.