Alpine glacier melts faster as second heatwave hits France

The Planpincieux glacier, located in the Alps on the Grande Jorasses peak of the Mont Blanc massif,

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AP

Copyright AP

Published on

23/06/2026 - 10:26 GMT+2

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The Bossons Glacier in France’s Chamonix Valley is showing fresh signs of rapid retreat as a second heatwave of 2026 grips parts of Europe.

New aerial images reveal extensive ice loss across the glacier, which descends from the Mont Blanc massif above the popular Alpine resort of Chamonix. Meltwater streams can be seen flowing from the ice, while a large hole that emerged in the glacier's lower tongue in 2025 remains visible.

The Bossons Glacier has long been one of the most recognisable glaciers in the French Alps. In the 1980s, its ice extended to the valley floor, but decades of rising temperatures have led to a dramatic reduction in its size.

Scientists say glaciers across the Alps are shrinking at an accelerating pace as climate change drives hotter summers and shorter winters.

The latest heatwave across Europe has increased melting rates, exposing more rock and reducing snow cover that would normally help protect the ice.

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