A new heat record in France
On Wednesday 24 June, France recorded its hottest day on record since records began in 1947, according to Météo-France. The national heat index, calculated using data from 30 reference stations, reached 30°C, breaking the record set the previous day (29.9°C).
In Paris, temperatures came close to 40.3°C, a record broken for the fourth time in 150 years. The day’s highest temperatures were recorded in the towns of Palluau (Vendée) and Pissos (South-West), peaking at 43.8°C.
A persistent heatwave
This heatwave, which began on 17 June, is set to continue this weekend across much of the country. Although a slight drop in temperatures is expected in the west, temperatures will remain extremely high, with maximum temperatures ranging from 40°C and 42°C in several regions, according to Benoît Thomé, Director of Institutional Relations at Météo-France.
Increased risk of forest fires
These weather conditions, combined with a low humidity and some dry winds, increase the risk of fires. More than thirty departments are already in high risk on the map of the Forest weather, and that number is set to rise on Thursday 25 June.
For the first time this season, two departments have been placed under red alert, synonymous with very high risk : the Haute-Garonne and the Deux-Sèvres. The authorities are urging people to be extremely vigilant, particularly in wooded areas and natural spaces.
72 departments on red alert for a heatwave
In light of this exceptional situation, 72 departments have been placed in red heatwave alert for Thursday. Temperatures are not expected to drop significantly before Friday, according to forecasts from Météo-France.
The health authorities are reminding the public of the preventative measures : drink plenty of fluids, avoid strenuous physical activity during the hottest part of the day, and keep an eye on vulnerable people.