Météo France heatwave alert as mercury rises to 37°C

An orange alert is the second-most severe, with the Lyon region especially affected.

The forecaster explained: “A mass of hot air is already well-established in the region, with morning temperatures already hitting 21°C in Lyon St Exupéry...and more than 22°C in the city centre.”

Lyon is expected to see temperatures of 35°C to 36°C this afternoon, with the mercury climbing even higher in the town centre.

And although they are not on orange alert, Météo France warned that the regions of Puy-de-Dôme, Allier, Ain, Savoie, Haute-Savoie and Isère could see between 34°C and 37°C degrees today.

An orange heatwave warning is intended to make residents aware of the dangers of excess heat. The forecaster reminds us that “everyone is at risk, even people in good health”, and says that everyone should drink at least 1.5 litres of water per day, if not more.

Older people, those with chronic conditions or mental health issues, people who take regular medication, and those who are particularly isolated, are at especial risk, it says.

Caregivers are recommended to visit affected individuals at least twice a day, ensuring that windows are open or air conditioning is on, and people can even take cold showers or baths, or dampen their skin with a cold flannel, if necessary.

Similarly, people who work outside or who play sports should also be alert to dehydration and heat stroke, as should children.

Heat stroke symptoms include having hot and dry skin, a fever above 40°C, a headache, nausea, intense thirst, confusion, lack of energy, and even seizures.

Despite the intense heat, however, Météo France has lifted the previous heatwave and storm warnings that were in place yesterday for Charente-Maritime, Gironde, and Landes.

Most of the rest of the country, except the south east and Corsica, is also on yellow alert for high temperatures.