France continues to experience an exceptionally intense heatwave. According to the authorities, around 26 million people are currently under the highest red alert level. In numerous regions, temperatures are once again climbing to 38 to more than 40 degrees, while nights in many places are bringing barely any relief. Meteorologists expect a significant change in the weather and a gradual end to the extreme heat only from Thursday.
Large parts of Île-de-France, the Rhone Valley, Burgundy, Auvergne, as well as numerous departments in the east and central parts of the country, are particularly affected. The combination of scorching sunshine, parched soils and tropical nights is placing an increasing strain on the population. Older people, young children, chronically ill people and those who work outdoors are considered particularly at risk.
The authorities have further expanded their protective measures. Cooling rooms in public buildings remain open, health services and aid organizations are stepping up their operations, and restrictions on physically demanding outdoor work are in place in many areas. Schools, care facilities and hospitals also remain under heightened monitoring.
The persistent drought is also significantly increasing the risk of wildfires. Particularly in southern and central France, but now also in regions north of the Loire, authorities are warning of an extremely high risk of new vegetation fires. The large-scale fires in the Fontainebleau region have clearly demonstrated how quickly fires can spread under the current weather conditions.
For many cities, the exceptionally warm nights represent an additional burden. In densely built-up urban areas, asphalt and buildings retain heat, meaning temperatures often do not fall below 24 to 26 degrees even in the early morning hours. Experts point out that this lack of nighttime recovery significantly increases the risk of heat-related illness.
According to current forecasts, the weather situation is expected to gradually ease from Thursday. An Atlantic weather disturbance will bring cooler air masses to France and cause a noticeable drop in temperatures across much of the country. Depending on the region, highs of only between 26 and 32 degrees are then expected. Local thunderstorms are also possible, although the parched soils mean they may be accompanied by strong wind gusts and heavy rain.
Until then, the authorities continue to urge particular caution. They recommend drinking enough fluids, staying in rooms that are as cool as possible, and avoiding physical exertion during the hottest hours of the day. At the same time, they are appealing to the public to pay particular attention to older people living alone and other vulnerable individuals.
After several days of extreme temperatures, the end of the heatwave now appears to be in sight. However, until the cooler air actually reaches all regions, the situation remains tense – both for people’s health and for emergency crews, who continue to battle the consequences of the exceptional weather conditions.