With rainfall “still largely in deficit” this month, -35% compared to the average observed in September, the Alpes-Maritimes prefecture has decided to extend its measures to deal with the drought, at least until 15 october. “The localized rainfall in August temporarily relieved the levels of certain superficial watercourses, but did not make it possible to reverse the underlying trend in the long term”, note the State services.
The catchment areas of Estéron, Artuby, Brague, Paillons, Roya/Bévéra, Siagne upstream, Loup and Cagne remain at the “crisis” stage, with the strictest restrictions. harsher (no watering, no water games, etc.). Only the Var downstream and upstream watersheds show an improvement, going from heightened alert to simple alert, which also concerns Siagne downstream, to the west of the department.
A “warmer scenario” until October
“The localized rainfall in August temporarily relieved the levels of certain superficial rivers, but did not allow the underlying trend to be reversed in the long term, note the State services. Until October 2022, Météo-France predicts a warmer than normal seasonal scenario. »
As a result, the risk of fire is also very high. Friday, the prefecture had again prohibited access to two forest massifs west of the Alpes-Maritimes. Since this Monday noon, a large fire brigade has been deployed at the Col de Tende, to the east, where a brush fire threatens to ravage several hectares.