16 departments on red heatwave alert this Tuesday, a heatwave of unprecedented intensity

France is in the grip of a heatwave of rare intensity. On Monday, June 30, Météo-France placed 16 departments on red heatwave alert for Tuesday, July 1, while 68 others remain on orange alert.

According to the forecasting agency, the heatwave is expected to peak between Tuesday and Wednesday. Minimum temperatures will not drop below 20 to 24°C, with maximums ranging between 36 and 40°C, and local highs reaching up to 41°C. This is unprecedented for this time of year.

Which departments are affected?

While the precise details of the list of departments on alert can be found on the Météo-France website, the departments on red alert are Aube, Cher, Essonne, Hauts-de-Seine, Indre, Indre-et-Loire, Loir-et-Cher, Loiret, Paris, Seine-et-Marne, Seine-St-Denis, Val-D'Oise, Val-de-Marne, Vienne, Yonne, and Yvelines. The most affected regions are therefore mainly in the center of the country, but a large swathe of the territory will be exposed to extreme temperatures from Tuesday morning.

This heatwave, which is occurring at the start of summer, could set a record for its precocity and poses a major risk, particularly for vulnerable people.

Météo-France and the health authorities remind us that it is essential to adopt the right reflexes:

• Avoid direct exposure to the sun, especially between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.

• Postpone any physical activity until a cooler time of day, or even cancel it altogether.

• Hydrate very regularly, without waiting until you are thirsty.

• Favor light and fresh meals.

• Keep homes cool by closing shutters and windows during the hottest hours.