France: Heatwave advisory affecting 66 departments June 20-21 /update 3

Event

The French meteorological agency (Météo France) issued “orange” alerts - the second-highest on a four tiered risk rating scale, indicating potentially dangerous conditions – due to ongoing heatwaves in 66 departments across France, effective Tuesday, June 20, at 16:00 (local time). The following departments are affected: Charente, Charente-Maritime, Dordogne, Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Maine-et-Loire, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Deux-Sèvres, Vendée, Vienne, Haute-Vienne, Paris, Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-de-Marne, Ain, Allier, Ariège, Cher, Corrèze, Côte-d’Or, creuse, Eure-et-Loire, Haute-garonne, Gers, Ile-et-Vilaine, Indre, Indre-et-Loire, Isère, Jura, Loir-et-Cher, Loire, Loire-Atlantique, Loiret, Lot, Mayenne, Nièvre, Orne, Puy-de-Dôme, Hautes-Pyrénées, Rhône, Saône-et-Loire, Sarthe, Seine-et-Marne, Yvelines, Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne, Yonne, Essone, Val-d’Oise, Aube, Bas-Rhin, Doubs, Haute-Marne, Haute-Saône, Haut-Rhin, Marne, Territoire-de-Belfort, Aisne, Eure, Nord, Oise, Pas-de-Calais, Savoie, Haute-Savoie, Seine-Maritime, and Somme.

The Loire-Atlantique and Vendée departments have been removed from Météo France’s previously issued heat advisory.

The heat wave is currently expected to last at least until Thursday, June 22, at 07:00, although it could be extended depending on updated forecasts.

Advice

Individuals in affected areas are advised to keep abreast of local weather forecasts, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, remain indoors as much as possible between 10:00 and 16:00 (local time) when temperatures tend to peak, stay well-hydrated (with sugar-free, non-alcoholic beverages), and wear loose, light-colored clothing. Do not hesitate to seek medical attention if displaying symptoms of heatstroke (high fever, hot, red, dry skin, headache, nausea, drowsiness, intense thirst, confusion, convulsions, and loss of consciousness).