Climate: When drought also sets in in the mountains

The drought which has been affecting France for several weeks now has also spread to the mountains. With sometimes critical consequences.

In the department of Haute-Savoie (74), the flow of some rivers was eight times lower than normal.

How tall is Mont Blanc now that it has fallen two metres?

"Usually, in our mountain climate, when autumn arrives, the fog and light rain moisten the soil".says Bruno Foret, Chairman of SM3A, the joint association for the development of the Arve and its tributaries, in a TF1 report.

But this year, the rainy spells are very short and intense, which means that the water cannot enter the water tables properly.

Haute-Savoie placed on heightened drought alert

At the foot of the mountains, some arboriculturists have been affected by this drought. This is the case for Jean-David Baisamy, co-manager of "Atout Pomme", who has seen part of his harvest decimated, with apples falling too early due to the lack of water and therefore unsaleable.

What should you do if you come across patous on your walks?

" In almost six weeks, there has only been one and a half days of rain.he adds. I've been an arboriculturist since 1992 and this is the first time I've seen September and October so dry".

Haute-Savoie is still under a heightened drought alert. Residents can no longer water during the day or fill their swimming pools. These restrictions have been in place for almost three months.