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According to forecasts by La Chaîne Météo, three quarters of France should be victims of the heat wave during the week. Our tips for dealing with it.
Towards the worst heat wave of the summer
According to forecasts by La Chaîne Météo, “the strong heat present in Rhône-Alpes will spread from Thursday to 3/4 of the country. This heat wave promises to be long-lasting, widespread, with highs that could reach 38 to 40°C in the afternoon and lows that will hardly fall below 17 to 22°C in large cities. The center-east and the south-east are the regions where this intense heat will be the most marked and the most lasting.“.
🌡️ The Rhône-Alpes region is the most affected by the #heat wave the coming days. Maximum temperatures will remain at a very high level until Tuesday, August 22. In the north, the heat wave should be shorter and last 3 to 4 days, from Friday 18 to Monday 21… pic.twitter.com/KZqGtWY3nn
— The Weather Channel (@lachainemeteo) August 13, 2023
And forecasters even state that “We can already say that France is preparing to experience a heat wave, the most important of this summer 2023. In this context, the north-west quarter would remain away from the highest values“.
The high heat presents health risks such as fatigue, dehydration, heat stroke, aggravation of pre-existing illnesses or hyperthermia.
For withstand the heat better,
- Drink water regularly without waiting to feel thirsty;
- Cool down and wet your body (at least your face and forearms) several times a day;
- Eat enough and don’t drink alcohol;
- Avoid going out during the hottest hours and spend several hours a day in a cool place (cinema, municipal library, supermarket, museum…);
- Avoid physical exertion;
- Keep your home cool (close windows and shutters during the day, open them in the evening and at night if it is cooler);
- Remember to regularly give your news to your loved ones and, as soon as necessary, dare to ask for help;
- Check the Météo-France website regularly for information.
- If you know elderly, disabled or frail people who are isolated, encourage them to register on the list made available to them by each town hall in order to receive help from volunteers, and, during a heat wave, take their news regularly.
Before the heat, fragile people can also, in connection with those around them:
- Provide the necessary equipment to fight against the heat: fogger, fan….
- Make a list of air-conditioned (or cool) places where they can cool off near their homes: supermarkets, shops, cinemas, museums, etc.
- Do not hesitate to ask their doctor for advice, especially in the event of a health problem or regular drug treatment (dose adjustment for example).