Hot weather is expected next week in France. If departments are already on heat wave alert, new ones should be placed on heightened vigilance. Yours maybe? Definition, criteria and advice.
A scorching episode is in progress in the Center-East of France and he could extend to other departments from this weekend August 19-20. The temperatures “should take it up a notch in France (only the Channel and Brittany coasts maintain maximum temperatures below 30°C). These high temperatures are coming durable with peaks around 40°C on the Mediterranean South and in the Rhone Valley” warns Meteo France August 16. It could be thehottest episode of summer 2023 according to forecasters. As a reminder, France has activated its Heatwave Plan since June 1 and until September 15. What is a heatwave? From what temperatures? What are the worst known heat waves in France? Definition and practical advice.
Which departments are currently on heat wave vigilance?
On August 16, 2023, Météo France placed 4 departments in yellow heatwave vigilance and 5 departments in orange vigilance:
Yellow Vigilance: Loire, Haute-Loire, Ardèche, Drôme
orange vigilance : Rhône, Ain, Haute-Savoie, Savoie, Isère.
What is the definition of the term “heat wave”?
Word “heat wave” comes from Latin “caniculawhich means “little female dog”. Canicula is the name given to the star Sirius (which comes from the Greek “seirius”, meaning “burning”, “fiery”). which is located in the constellation Canis Major. Star that rises and sets with the sun from July 22 to August 22, a period characteristic of high temperatures. The heat wave is associated with very high temperatures day and night for an extended period, usually ofat least 3 consecutive days.
Temperatures, levels of vigilance: what are the criteria for going into a heat wave?
The heat wave is associated with very high temperatures day and night during at least 3 consecutive days. Meteorologically, it is exceptional nature of high night temperatures which marks the duration of a heatwave episode. Of the temperature and duration thresholds are defined by Météo France and vary according to the departments. There are three levels of vigilance in case of high temperatures:
► The yellow vigilance level corresponds to:
- a heat spike: short-term exposure (1 or 2 days) to intense heat
- or a persistent episode of heat but which remains below the alert thresholds
► The orange vigilance level corresponds to a heat wave: period of intense heat for which the averages over 3 consecutive days of night and day temperatures reach or exceed the departmental thresholds, and which is likely to constitute a health risk, particularly for fragile or overexposed people.
► The red vigilance level corresponds to an extreme heat wave : exceptional heat wave in terms of its duration, its intensity, its geographic extension, with a strong health impact for all types of population, and which can lead to the appearance of collateral effects, particularly in terms of business continuity.
Heatwaves in France
We recense 45 heat waves in France since 1947, remember Meteo France. Over the last 35 years, they have been 3 times more numerous than over the previous 35 years. The number of days of heat waves has been multiplied by 9: “The frequency and intensity of heat waves are set to increase in the coming decades. The frequency of events is expected to double by 2050.” Today, THE heat waves have udid not occur earlier (in June) or later (late August-early September). Among the main heat waves in Francethose of june 1947, 1976, 20032005, 2006.
► Summer 2022 : the heat wave episode began on June 15, 2022. This episode was unprecedented in its precocity and intensity. Several temperature records for the month of June and also in absolute terms were recorded. A second heatwave episode hit France between July 12 and 20, then a third between July 31 and August 14.
► Summer 2019: between June 24 and July 7 and July 21 and 27. According to bulletin published by Santé Publique France in September, 1435 deaths were observed during this heat wave. Those most affected are those over 75 years old.
► JJune 2005 and 2006 with temperatures often between 35 and 40°Cin particular in the south-east and in the Rhône valley (more than 30°C every day in Lyon in 2006).
► AAugust 2003. Its intensity, duration and geographical extent had been exceptional. She had caused 15,000 additional deaths compared to the usual mortality for this period of the year in France.
► Other memorable heat waves: that of July 1983 “longest observed” remember Meteo FranceAnd those of the summer of 1947 and 1976.
Recommendations: what to do in the event of a heat wave?
- Drink water and stay cool
- Avoid alcohol
- Eat enough
- Close shutters and windows during the day, ventilate at night.
- Wet the body (warm but not cold shower)
- Give and take news of loved ones.
What are the dangers of the heat wave for the body?
Prolonged exposure to heat is a major stress for the body, reminds the Ministry of Health. THE human body tries to adapt to it. He sweat more and the blood vessels dilate. If it is unable to maintain its temperature around 37°C when it is very hot or if body fluids or salts are not adequately replaced, several problems can arise:
Extreme heat can also aggravate pre-existing illnesses, being responsible for heat-related illnesses. Taking certain medications can make heat-related effects worse, especially in people at risk.
► Cramps, nausea, inexplicable state of fatigue, severe headache, incoherent talk or high fever: Call 15