No snow, little rain: Summer 2024 in Corsica promises to be difficult

Climate change is a reality. And while we may have experienced some exceptional episodes in the past, we have to admit that they have multiplied in recent years. When the exceptional becomes the norm, there’s cause for concern. With an unprecedented absence of snow and precipitation that has been struggling for months, the summer of 2024 in Corsica promises to be difficult.

We’ve recently seen a few photos of the first snow to fall at the Asco ski resort and on the Vergio pass. At the same time as this is a relief, the obvious is becoming clear. This snowfall is late and, above all, far too little to ensure the regeneration of the water tables.

In a recent article published on the FranceBleu website, hydrobiologist Antoine Orsini speaks of a catastrophe. According to him, watercourses will be reduced by 50 to 70% in the coming months. The water that flows in summer does indeed come from melting snow. While “all is not lost” for Patrick Rebillout, head of Météo France in Ajaccio, also speaking to FranceBleu, the snow that could fall in the coming weeks “would fall on the ground without an underlay and would melt very quickly”.

This is a growing concern, given that the summer of 2024 in Corsica is expected to attract a large tourist population. A population for whom, unfortunately, a sustainable approach has yet to be developed. How many swimming pools will be filled in the coming weeks? Meanwhile, springs are drying up. This is the case in my village, where the public fountain, which has been there for as long as the village has existed, is dry. It has never been so dry for so long.

So, if you’re planning to spend the summer of 2024 in Corsica, you know you’ll need to take a measured approach. Adopt good, sustainable practices to ensure that this season, which promises to be difficult, remains exceptional.