France is currently facing a late summer heatwave with the potential for record-breaking temperatures in various regions, particularly in the southern parts of the country. Alongside the heatwave, a forest fire has erupted in the southeast, prompting concerns about both health and safety.
The heatwave is expected to peak on Tuesday and Wednesday, with temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in some areas. Health authorities have issued heat warnings for a significant portion of mainland France, and several departments are placed under the second-highest heat warning level. The ongoing heatwave is characterized as “intense and long-lasting,” and it has arrived relatively late in the season. This weather pattern is attributed to a high-pressure system creating a “heat dome” over the country.
The French national weather service, Meteo France, has noted the possibility of breaking temperature records, particularly in the Rhone valley region, where temperatures are projected to range between 40 to 42 degrees Celsius. The all-time highest temperature recorded in France was 46 degrees Celsius in June 2018 in the village of Verargues.
While many people sought relief from the heat by visiting municipal swimming pools, fountains, and beaches, concerns about forest fires have also arisen due to the dry weather conditions. Authorities in the southern Gard area have restricted access to forests as a precaution against fire risk. A forest fire near the village of Chanousse in southeast France has consumed approximately 120 hectares (nearly 250 acres) of woodland. Around 260 firefighters have been deployed to combat the blaze.
The heatwave has also impacted nuclear power plants in the region. The planned restart of a nuclear power plant in Golfech, southwest France, has been affected, and there could be potential restrictions at a plant in Bugey, Ain area. The operation of riverside nuclear power plants is often constrained during heatwaves to prevent excessive warming of rivers used for cooling purposes, which could harm local ecosystems.
In the face of this late summer heatwave and the associated challenges, French residents are seeking ways to stay cool and cope with the extreme conditions, while authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety and minimize risks.
