Scorching temperatures persist in France, with the second heat wave expected to extend through midweek.
Southern France Braces for Intense Heatwave from August 8-10
A heatwave is set to sweep across the southern half of France from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 August, with Saturday 9 being the busiest day. The anticipated weather conditions are characterized by extremely high temperatures reaching and exceeding 40°C (104°F), posing significant risks such as wildfires and health emergencies.
Temperature Forecasts and Affected Departments
On these three days, temperatures in southern France are forecast to soar up to and above 40°C. Key departments like Hérault, Var, Ardèche, Drôme, and areas near Nîmes and Perpignan are expected to be notably affected.
Heatwave Warnings and Alerts
The heatwave is intense enough to raise widespread concerns due to the similarity with the severe 2003 heatwave and its dangers, including dehydration and fire risks. Orange alerts are active in 42 to 46 departments in southern France during this period, indicating exceptionally high temperatures and exceptional weather phenomena.
Impacts and Risks
Heat-related impacts include restrictions on outdoor activities, such as suspensions of outdoor work and cancellations of some train services in southern France due to extreme temperatures. Wildfire risks are high, notably near the Aude department, where a major wildfire was ongoing or had recently occurred, exacerbated by the hot conditions.
SNCF and Wildfire Risks
SNCF is anticipating potential air conditioning failures due to very high temperatures in its oldest trains during the heatwave. An exceptional fire in Aude has been extinguished, burning 17,000 hectares of vegetation and claiming one life.
Climatologist's Perspective
Lauriane Batté, a climatologist at Météo-France, stated that this trend is clearly linked to climate change having a strong impact on temperatures in metropolitan France. This heatwave, from June 19 to the present, is the 51st heatwave recorded in France since 1947.
Stay Informed and Stay Safe
As the heatwave continues, it is crucial for residents and tourists to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe. This includes staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, and being aware of the risks of wildfires.
[1] Bison Futé: [link] [2] SNCF: [link] [3] Météo-France: [link]
Scientists at Météo-France have linked this intensifying heatwave, occurring from August 8-10, to the significant influence of climate change on environmental-science factors. During this period, the weather in southern France may cause wildfires and health emergencies, with temperatures soaring up to and above 40°C, as predicted by temperature forecasts.
