Heatwave: 45 regions on orange alert as of Tuesday noon

First Heatwave of 2024 Hits France

With temperatures reaching up to 40°C in the South on Monday, France is experiencing its first heatwave of 2024, which will extend further North on Tuesday, July 29. Forty-five departments in a large southern region will be under an orange heatwave alert from noon onwards. The departments of Indre, Nièvre, Saône-et-Loire, and Jura will join the 41 departments already reported on Monday by Météo-France. A northern strip, from Loire-Atlantique to Haut-Rhin via the Parisian departments, will be under a yellow alert for heat or thunderstorms. Météo-France describes this as a “relatively short but particularly intense heatwave” with temperatures exceeding 40°C in several regions.

Heatwave Progressing Northward

The intense heat is expected to move towards the northern part of the country, with temperatures exceeding 36°C across a large portion on Tuesday, and possibly exceeding 40°C locally. Public pools and parks in cities like Toulouse and Bordeaux have extended their hours in response to the heat. Recommendations include staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and refraining from intense physical exertion.

Impact on Sports and Events

The heatwave poses additional challenges for athletes, spectators, and event organizers, especially with Olympic events taking place in Paris and the surrounding areas. Despite the extreme heat, there are currently no plans to postpone any Olympic events. Athletes and spectators are advised to take precautions and stay updated on weather conditions.

Precautionary Measures in Place

In light of the heatwave, the Île-de-France region has activated a heatwave action plan, which includes distributing water and hats to the public. The air quality is expected to deteriorate, and measures are being taken to address these concerns. Additionally, the Olympic Village, designed without air conditioning for ecological reasons, has prompted some delegations to provide their own cooling solutions.

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