PARIS (AP) – A severe heatwave has gripped southwest France as temperatures soared to 43 degrees Celsius (109.4 Fahrenheit) in regions such as Charente and Aude on Monday. The extreme weather is part of a broader climate pattern affecting much of the country.
In Aude, characterized by its vineyards and Mediterranean scrubland, firefighters continued to battle a massive blaze that ravaged 16,000 hectares last week. Although officials report that the flames are under control, caution is advised as hot spots remain active and the fire may take weeks to be fully extinguished.
The national weather authority, Meteo-France, has placed 12 departments on red alert—its highest heat warning level—anticipating extreme heat that stretches from the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean plains. In addition, 41 other departments are under orange alerts, as well as the microstate of Andorra, nestled between France and Spain.
Social media has captured the impacts of the heatwave, showing shuttered streets in Valence where residents are using foil to shield their windows from the oppressive sunlight. Tourists have been seen huddling under umbrellas along the Garonne River in Toulouse, while café terraces stood empty as locals sought refuge indoors from the heat.
The issuance of the red alert is significant; it has only been declared eight times since its introduction in 2004, following a deadly summer. This alert is specifically reserved for extreme and prolonged heat conditions that pose serious health risks and have the potential to disrupt daily life. The designation empowers local officials to cancel outdoor events, close public venues, and modify school or summer camp schedules.
This heatwave is the second one of the summer, having started on Friday and expected to continue throughout the week, extending into the holiday weekend on August 15. The heat is forecast to push further north, with predictions of 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit) in the Centre-Val de Loire region and temperatures reaching up to 34 degrees Celsius (93.2 Fahrenheit) in Paris.
As the heatwave continues, the government and local authorities are implementing measures to mitigate its effects on both the public and the ongoing battle against wildfires. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant, stay hydrated, and adhere to safety advisories to navigate this intense weather situation.
