Intense heatwave persists in five departments, with red alerts active; thunderstorm advisory announced.
In France, the relentless heatwave continues, with temperatures soaring across the nation. The western half of the country has seen a slight retreat from the heat, but maximum temperatures in this region remain below 35 degrees. Conversely, the East is experiencing very high temperatures, with readings of 36 to 42 degrees [1].
The scorching heat has prompted red alerts for extreme heat in about 12 departments, primarily in southern and eastern regions, such as Aude, Isère, Drôme, Ardèche, and Rhône. An additional 41 departments are under orange warning [1][4]. These alerts allow local authorities to impose restrictions, including cancelling outdoor events, closing public spaces, and modifying school schedules due to severe health risks and wildfire dangers.
Wildfires have been a significant concern, with some fires now contained but still posing risks due to smoldering hotspots [1]. The high temperatures have fueled large wildfires that have already burned extensive areas.
However, recent rain and storm fronts moving in from the west have helped reduce the weather alerts from red to green in some areas, bringing temporary relief from the unprecedented heat wave that was considered one of the most intense on record [3]. Despite this, soil drought remains severe across over half of France due to the prolonged dry and hot conditions earlier in August [3].
Looking ahead, forecasts indicate that after the hot days, a weather front is expected to bring cloud cover and some rain particularly in western regions like Brittany and Loire Atlantique from August 23 onward, which might help alleviate the conditions [5]. No specific new storm warnings have been mentioned yet, but the arrival of this front suggests some storm or rain activity is likely.
Authorities remain vigilant due to health risks from heat and wildfire hazards while monitoring the approaching weather changes. On Thursday, maximum temperatures of 36 degrees are expected in Paris. Additionally, 12 departments are on orange alert for storms as of 16:00 today: Loiret, Yonne, Cher, Nièvre, Puy-de-Dôme, Alpes de Haute Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Lot, Haute-Garonne, Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne, and Aveyron.
In Périgueux, seasonal workers are battling the sweltering heat, with conditions likened to a sauna [2]. Storms on the southern Alps side could also produce hail and gusts up to 80 km/h, while heavy rain, up to 50 to 70 mm in a short time, is possible on the relief and plains [2]. These storms could be accompanied by strong gusts of wind of 80 to 100 km/h, or even 110 locally, hail, heavy rain, and significant electrical activity [2].
Stay tuned for updates on the evolving weather situation in France.
Weather-forecasting predicts a weather front to bring cloud cover and some rain to western regions like Brittany and Loire Atlantique from August 23 onward, which might help alleviate the current weather conditions in France. Authorities have issued orange alerts for storms in 12 departments, including Paris, due to the approaching storm front, warning of potential hail, strong winds, and heavy rain.
