waking up under the frost in the surroundings of La Ciotat

This Tuesday, January 14, 2024, the residents of La Ciotat and its surrounding areas were surprised by the return of the morning frosts. In some neighborhoods, especially those located in areas further from the coast, temperatures dropped below freezing, leaving lawns and windshields frosty.

Thermometers displaying -1°C were reported at dawn in areas such as the Domaine de la Tour or the heights of the Calanques National Park. On the other hand, areas closer to the port and the sea benefited from the moderating effect of the coast, with temperatures around 3 to 5°C.

If these morning frosts took some residents by surprise, they remain consistent with seasonal norms. According to local forecasters, this type of phenomenon is common in January, even in the Mediterranean climate.

“After a particularly mild start to the year, the return of frost is due to a mass of cold air which penetrated the region during the night,” explains a meteorologist from Météo-France. This temporary cooling should nevertheless give way to a gradual warming in the days to come.

SOME ADVICE

Faced with these winter temperatures, local authorities remind us of some basic precautions:Protect plants sensitive to frost, especially in exposed gardens and balconies.Cover vehicle windshields to avoid laborious thawing.Wear suitable clothing, especially for morning trips on foot or on two wheels.

Finally, motorists are invited to be vigilant in the event of potentially slippery roads in shaded areas or at altitude.

A TEMPORARY “COLD”

Despite these frosts, the day should warm up quickly thanks to generous sunshine. Maximum temperatures are expected around 10 to 12°C in the middle of the afternoon, offering a marked contrast to the cool morning. The inhabitants of La Ciotat can therefore hope for a milder climate in the days to come, but winter has not yet said its last word.

Photo: DR – (witness, Facebook)

The editorial staff