A new wave of heat, which has become a heat wave, has settled over France. This is the 45e heat wave recorded in France since 1947; it officially started on Tuesday July 12. It is particularly intense and long-lasting, especially in the southern regions, where fires have notably devastated more than 10,000 hectares in Gironde.
This heatwave episode should last between seven and ten days with a likely peak in temperatures between Sunday and Tuesday. “The regions affected by the highest temperatures (South-West, Center-West) will be the same as during the June heat wave”, warns Météo-France. Here are the forecasts for the next few days:
Sunday July 17
Fifteen departments were placed on heatwave red vigilance on Sunday by Météo-France. This alert « rouge »which recommends that the inhabitants of the areas concerned observe a “absolute vigilance” in the face of “dangerous phenomena of exceptional intensity”concerns the following departments:
- Charente (16), Charente-Maritime (17), Côtes-d’Armor (22), Dordogne (24), Finistère (29), Gers (32), Gironde (33), Ille-et-Vilaine (35), Landes (40), Loire-Atlantique (44), Lot-et-Garonne (47), Maine-et-Loire (49), Morbihan (56), Deux-Sèvres (79) and Vendée (85).
???? 15 dpts in #vigilanceRouge ???? 51 dpts and Andorra in #vigilanceOrange Stay informed on https://t.co/rJ24zzmmy4 https://t.co/JHkBHl2PeU
In the departments in vigilance « rouge », “every one of us is threatened, even healthy subjects”warns Météo-France. “The increase in temperature can endanger people at risk (…) Among athletes and people who work outside, beware of heat stroke”, adds the meteorological institute which also calls to watch over the children. From advice provided by Météo-France : drink water regularly, do not go out during the hottest hours, or limit physical and sporting activities.
Fifty-one departments have also been placed on heat wave orange vigilance by Météo-France.
From Sunday and until Tuesday, a breath of exceptionally warm air sweeps the country from the Bay of Biscay to the North Sea, announces Météo-France. The Atlantic arc will experience exceptional heat and a sustained wind on Monday and in the night from Monday to Tuesday, before a sudden cooling during the day on Tuesday, forecasts Météo-France.
Monday July 18
A gust of unusually warm air sweeps across the country from the Bay of Biscay to the North Sea between ajd and Tuesday.… https://t.co/wJaOn2cK8W
Monday will mark “the culmination of this heatwave episode on the western side of the country, with sometimes remarkable values: 40°C will often be approached, reached or exceeded”warns Météo-France, which adds that records will certainly be broken. “At the same time, the high temperatures will spread towards the eastern flank of the country. »
Tuesday July 19
Tuesday, the significant drop in temperatures by the Atlantic seems to be confirmed. Météo-France is planning a “brutal refresh”. However, “The high temperatures will persist in the eastern half of France”according to the Meteorological Institute.