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France heatwave: 78 departments under orange alert as temperatures hit 40°C
France is experiencing a major heatwave, with Météo-France placing 78 departments under orange alerts. Temperatures are expected to reach between 38°C and 40°C in regions ranging from Centre-Val de Loire to Nouvelle-Aquitaine, with some local peaks potentially exceeding 40°C. The peak of this heatwave is anticipated to occur between Thursday and Friday.
This extreme weather event is occurring alongside a severe drought, with 67 departments currently in a state of crisis. Approximately 70% of the national territory is subject to water usage restrictions as water levels in rivers and aquifers reach critical lows. The Minister of Ecological Transition, Monique Barbut, has convened a crisis cell to assess the impact on water usage, wildlife, and flora.
In addition to the heat, there is a risk of isolated thunderstorms in mountainous areas like the Pyrenees and the Alps. Authorities have issued various precautions, including warnings for vulnerable populations and restrictions on certain activities to prevent forest fires, such as banning unauthorized fireworks and barbecues in certain areas.
Entities
Agence régionale de santé Grand Est · France · Monique Barbut · Météo France · Météo-France · Pascal Gauci · Santé publique France · Yann Amice
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 6 SOURCES] Temperatures are expected to exceed 35°C, reaching between 38°C and 40°C from Centre-Val de Loire to Nouvelle-Aquitaine. www.estrepublicain.fr · www.republicain-lorrain.fr · information.tv5monde.com · www.letelegramme.fr · www.nicematin.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] 78 French departments are placed under orange heatwave alerts for Wednesday. www.estrepublicain.fr · www.republicain-lorrain.fr · information.tv5monde.com · www.letelegramme.fr · www.nicematin.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The peak of the heatwave is expected to occur on Thursday. www.estrepublicain.fr · www.republicain-lorrain.fr · information.tv5monde.com · actu.fr
- [● 2 SOURCES] Only the Somme, Pas-de-Calais, and Nord departments are currently exempt from heatwave alerts. information.tv5monde.com · www.nicematin.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] 67 departments are currently in a state of crisis due to drought. www.estrepublicain.fr · www.republicain-lorrain.fr · www.sudradio.fr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Nearly 70% of the territory is subject to water usage restrictions. www.estrepublicain.fr · www.republicain-lorrain.fr · www.sudradio.fr