Heat wave shocks France: temperatures up to 40°C expected!

Heat wave shocks France: temperatures up to 40°C expected!

What a heat wave! This year's summer heat has a firm grip on almost all of France. Loud L'Express Temperatures have risen rapidly in most regions of the country since Friday. Only in a few areas, such as the Hautes-Alpes, Corses and a strip from Finistère to the Moselle, does it stay a little cooler.

Currently, people in the south of Brittany and in the Île-de-France can look forward to temperatures between 30°C and 34°C. In the southern areas, however, it will be scorching hot: peak temperatures of up to 39°C to 40°C can be expected, especially near the Mediterranean coast. The heat will continue into early next week and could peak on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Health risks from heat

But with all the sun there is also a dark side. Heat poses a significant health challenge, such as Climate Adaptation Resource explained. High temperatures can have immediate effects on the human body. While healthy people can often cope with the heat well, particularly affected groups such as older people, pregnant women, children and people with previous illnesses are left behind.

The classic symptoms of overheating are headaches, nausea and muscle cramps. Things become critical when heat stroke occurs, which could also be fatal. In 2022 alone, the heat in France led to 2,816 premature deaths, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures.

Measures and warnings

In the current situation, the French authorities have activated the heat wave emergency plan. In Orléans, for example, some air-conditioned museums are open to the public free of charge, and parks remain open longer to give people a cool place to retreat. A number green has also been set up to give citizens advice on how to protect themselves against the heat wave.

In addition to the health risks, experts from Germany also warn. The Robert Koch Institute writes that climate change is expected to increase the number of hot days in the coming decades. This poses significant public health challenges. It is all the more important that there is effective cooperation between different ministries and institutions in order to ensure reliable information and preventive measures.

Whether by ensuring shaded areas in cities or increasing information offerings - we must act now to protect ourselves and those around us from the dangers of heat. It remains to be hoped that the coming days can be not only hot, but also responsible and safe for health.