Alert remains in effect for 11 departments across the southeast region this weekend, with the expected termination slated for Monday.
In the Rhône-Alpes region, Mediterranean coast, and Corsica, the ongoing heatwave, caused by a persistent heat dome over western Europe, is still causing high temperatures and associated heat risks. According to Météo-France's latest bulletin, temperatures in these regions have remained significantly above normal, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 38-39°C in parts of Provence.
However, there's some good news on the horizon. Forecasts suggest that a return to more normal temperatures is expected late next week, as a frontal wave emerging from the North Atlantic is likely to break the heat dome, leading to a sharp temperature drop, particularly in western Europe. This means that residents and authorities should prepare for continued high heat conditions for the next several days, with relief anticipated starting around the middle to end of next week.
The frequency of heatwaves in France has been increasing, with 33 of the 50 recorded heatwaves occurring in the 21st century. The increasing use of fossil fuels worldwide is believed to be a contributing factor. As of this Friday, 14 departments in France are under orange heatwave alert, with the Rhône-Alpes region, the Mediterranean coast, and Corsica still experiencing high temperatures.
Despite the ongoing heatwave, some regions have seen a reduction in alerts. Isère will no longer be under alert tonight, and Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence will no longer be under alert on Saturday morning. However, departments such as Drôme, Ardèche, Vaucluse, Alpes-Maritimes, Var, Bouches-du-Rhône, Hérault, Aude, Pyrénées-Orientales, and the two departments of Corsica still remain under orange alert.
Record temperatures have been recorded not just in France, but also in Italy, Spain, and Portugal. In France, temperatures near the Mediterranean reached up to 26°C in Perpignan, Aigues-Mortes, Marignane, or Ajaccio, and even 28°C in Menton. June 2025 has been the second warmest June since 1900, behind June 2003, when a heat wave caused 15,000 premature deaths due to extreme heat.
Residents are advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and follow local authorities' advice during this period. It's crucial to remember that extreme heat can pose significant health risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
[1] Météo-France's latest bulletin (link to the source)
- Increased heatwaves, such as the current one affecting the Rhône-Alpes region, Mediterranean coast, and Corsica, are prompting concerns in the realm of environmental science, as the frequency of these events is connected to climate change.
- While the weather forecast suggests relief from the heatwave is expected next week, the ongoing high temperatures underscore the need for continued vigilance and adherence to safety measures, especially considering the links between these extreme conditions and science-backed predictions of our changing climate.
