France's March Weather Reveals Stark North-South Divide
Northern France saw record sunshine and rainfall deficits, while southern regions faced excessive precipitation and cloudy skies, underscoring climate variability.
- Northern France experienced record-breaking sunshine in March 2025, with Calais recording 222 hours of sunshine, surpassing Nice's 221 hours.
- Paris saw 44% more sunshine than usual, with 194 hours of clear skies, and recorded a 50% rainfall deficit compared to seasonal averages.
- Southern France endured heavy rainfall, with some areas, such as Marseille and Toulon, receiving up to five times the normal precipitation levels.
- The Ardennes and Nord departments recorded their second least rainy March since 1959, highlighting the stark regional precipitation disparities.
- As of early April, northern France's dry and sunny conditions persist, raising concerns about water resource management ahead of summer.
Libération 