the essential
40 years ago, Montauban experienced a historic day: on January 16, 1985, the city recorded a cold record with -20°C. But the whole of Tarn-et-Garonne was shivering. A look back at this exceptional winter.
January 16, 1985 will remain forever engraved in the memory of the inhabitants of Montauban. That day, at 7 a.m., Montauban recorded a chilling record in the annals: – 20°C. A significant event, witness to the intensity of the exceptional cold wave which hit France at the start of 1985, the second most severe after that of February 1956. This episode, which took place between the 3rd and on January 17, paralyzed a large part of the department, but it also sparked stories marked by resilience, solidarity and, sometimes, a touch of fantasy.
A region frozen in ice
As soon as the school holidays end, snow enters the daily lives of Montalban residents, transforming the landscape into a white expanse. But this winter wonderland quickly turns into a real logistical challenge. Temperatures plunge inexorably, reaching extremes: – 20.4°C in Albi, – 22.5°C in Caylus, and maximums which struggle to exceed – 9.8°C in Montauban. These are impressive values, at 17°C below seasonal norms, even rivaling Montreal’s harsh winters.
For many, these polar temperatures freeze pipes and put infrastructure to the test. Pierre, a former resident of the Michelet high school, remembers the damage caused by the frost at the boarding school: “The burst pipes made heating impossible, and we had to return home.” A similar situation affects many families, some of whom, like those of Bernard’s neighbors, find themselves without heating upon their return from a trip to Africa. “We had to use a blowtorch to thaw the water pipes,” he recalls.
Nature under tension
In the countryside, the cold disrupts the daily lives of farmers. Yvon Sarraute, arborist in Meauzac, speaks of burst water pipes and a paralysis of agricultural work. However, this biting gel had an unexpected effect: it eliminated a large part of the parasites. Breeders and market gardeners, on the other hand, face great difficulties: the transport of milk is hampered by frozen roads and greenhouse crops suffer irreversible damage.
-Michel, a forestry operator from Beaumont, becomes a true everyday hero thanks to his robust GMC vehicle. The only one capable of traveling on the icy roads, he supplies his isolated mother-in-law with wood in the snow-covered village of Escazeaux. “I brought him enough wood to heat him for the whole fortnight.”
Moments of solidarity and fun
Despite the challenges, solidarity is organized. Neighbors help each other to clear snow, thaw pipes or bring food to those who are most isolated. But this icy episode also gives rise to moments of joy and improvisation. In Montauban, the snow becomes an improvised playground. Jean-Claude Bardet, president of the local ski club, remembers a memorable event: “We organized a cross-country ski race on the paths of the Cours Foucault. Even the elected officials joined in the game!”
For many residents, these few days of polar cold will remain associated with a unique experience, between difficulties and wonders.
Forty years later, the episode of January 16, 1985 recalls the unpredictable force of nature. It also underlines the importance of solidarity in times of crisis and the ability of people to adapt in the face of extreme conditions. If this day remains marked by the cold, it is also the symbol of a united, resilient community capable of taking advantage of even the most difficult situations.
In this 40e anniversary, Montauban remembers this extraordinary day which, despite the challenges, revealed the best in its inhabitants.
