France braces for hottest day of heatwave as seven deaths linked

France’s heatwave continues with its highest temperatures expected today, May 26, placing eight departments under orange alert, with seven deaths linked to it.

Temperatures are climbing well over 30C across the country, with the centre-western part of France at the heart of the heatwave. Paris is set to reach 35C today, while highs of 36C or 37C are possible in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and western Pays de la Loire, continuing to break May heat records. 

Météo-France said Monday was the hottest day ever recorded nationwide for the month of May since records began.

The heatwave has been caused by a “heat dome”, trapping hot air from North Africa over France and western Europe.

Minimum temperatures will range from 14C to 19C, reaching 20C to 22C along the Atlantic coast. Overnight temperatures are also remaining unusually high, especially in western France, making it harder for the body to recover from the heat.

These high temperatures are set to continue through the weekend, with eight departments under orange alert, including: Finistère (29), Ille-et-Vilaine (35), Loire-Atlantique (44), Maine-et-Loire (49), Manche (50), Mayenne (53), Morbihan (56) and Vendée (85).

Authorities have also warned of increased ozone pollution levels, particularly in Île-de-France and the Rhône Valley, which can cause respiratory and cardiac discomfort, especially among vulnerable people.

This extreme heat has also been linked to seven deaths in France. Two occurred during sporting events in Paris and Lyon, amid warnings from health officials to avoid intense physical activity during peak temperatures. 

Five others were drownings: two in the Gironde department, one in the Marne, one in Seine-et-Marne and one in Maine-et-Loire. 

Measures to take to protect yourself during the heatwave

Météo-France has published an alert urging people to stay vigilant during the heatwave and follow some simple recommendations to stay safe, including:

• drinking water regularly throughout the day

• continue eating normally

• spraying your body with water several times a day

• avoiding going out during peak heat hours

• wearing light clothing

• staying in cool areas

• limiting physical and sporting activities

• keeping windows and blinds closed during the day before opening them at night to let air circulate

What to do in case of heatstroke

As soon as you feel dizzy, nauseous, irritable, develop headaches, or feel like your skin is burning but dry, you should act quickly, as heatstroke can escalate rapidly.

The first thing to do is rehydrate yourself (or the person suffering from heatstroke). You also need ventilation, such as a fan, and cold packs, ice cubes or cold water.

The cold packs (or ice cubes/cold water) should be placed near large arteries. The best spots are the neck, under the arms, and the groin area.

You should also favour foods with a high water content, such as fruit and vegetables (melons, watermelons, tomatoes, etc.), and avoid alcohol, as it causes dehydration.