The mercury could hit highs of 42 degrees on Tuesday, with peak heat forecast for Wednesday and Thursday. Here is where you have to be particularly careful.
The summer of 2023 promises to be one of the hottest in France. Faced with the intensity of this unprecedented heat wave, Météo-France raised the red flag for four departments from this Tuesday, August 22. Among them, the Rhône, Drôme, Ardèche and Haute-Loire will be the most affected by these extreme temperatures.
According to the latest weather observations, the mercury could reach highs of 42 degrees this Tuesday, with peak heat expected for the days of Wednesday and Thursday. Although the entire territory is feeling this heat wave, it is expected that the weekend will bring a noticeable drop in temperatures.
It is not only this area that is under surveillance: more than half of the south of the country, or 49 departments, has been placed in orange vigilance. This list includes departments from Ain to Andorra, reflecting the extent of this climate threat. It should also be noted that 13 departments are on yellow alert.
Météo-France has provided specific forecasts for certain major cities, illustrating the seriousness of the situation:
- Bordeaux could see 34 degrees this Tuesday after a morning of 25 degrees.
- Lyon expects 38 degrees in the afternoon, after 27 degrees in the morning.
- Montélimar could reach 39 degrees.
- Montpellier and Toulouse, meanwhile, could peak at 36 degrees.
- Nimes, with a starting temperature of 29 degrees in the morning, could also reach 39 degrees.
- Paris, although less affected, will still see a 30 degrees.
In this context, a toll-free number, the “Canicule info service”, has been activated. This telephone service offers essential tips for coping with the heat. Its main aim is to guarantee the safety of all, in particular the most vulnerable to this heat wave. For anyone looking for recommendations on how to deal with this heat wave, or wishing to obtain information to protect their loved ones, it is strongly advised to call this number: 0800 06 66 66, available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
It is imperative, in these moments of climate crisis, to remain vigilant, to follow the recommendations and to adopt the right reflexes to protect ourselves and those around us. Solidarity and caution will be our best allies in the face of this exceptional heat wave.