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France keeps 37 departments on red alert for extreme heat Monday
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Disasters & Emergencies

France keeps 37 departments on red alert for extreme heat Monday

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • France is maintaining its highest heat alert for 37 departments, including Paris, as extreme temperatures persist.
  • The heatwave exacerbates risks for vulnerable populations and increases the likelihood of fires, with 17,000 hectares already burned this year.
  • High temperatures are also impacting nuclear power generation, with three reactors offline and eight operating at reduced capacity, while drowning deaths have risen 18% since June 19.

France faces a severe heatwave, with 37 departments, including the capital Paris, remaining under the highest "red alert" for extreme temperatures. The national meteorological institute, Météo-France, forecasts highs between 37 and 41 degrees Celsius (98.6-105.8 F) in affected areas, marking the third intense heat episode since late May.

France will maintain its highest level of heat alert for 37 of its departments, including Paris and its region, on Monday.

— Météo-FranceReporting the ongoing heatwave and alert levels.

Beyond the immediate threat to public health, the prolonged heatwave poses significant risks. It intensifies dangers for vulnerable populations and fuels the risk of fires, especially in drought-stricken regions. The country has already seen 17,000 hectares burn this year, with the Interior Minister warning the figure could reach 25,000, noting that human activity causes nine out of ten fires.

The extreme weather is also disrupting critical infrastructure. French nuclear power operator EDF reported that three reactors are currently offline due to weather conditions and their impact on water resource management, while eight others are operating at reduced power. Compounding the crisis, drowning incidents have surged, with at least 139 deaths recorded since June 19, an 18% increase compared to the same period last year, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez.

Nine out of ten fires have human origins.

— Laurent NuñezWarning about the causes of wildfires during the heatwave.

Authorities are urging caution, with calls to cancel outdoor activities and re-evaluate fireworks displays for the upcoming July 14 National Day celebrations to mitigate fire risks and prevent overwhelming healthcare services. The heatwave is expected to continue until at least July 16, with a potential gradual cooling beginning around July 17 or 18 as oceanic air moves in from the Atlantic.

We want to evaluate fireworks celebrations for the National Day to reduce fire risks.

— Laurent NuñezProposing measures to mitigate risks during the heatwave.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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