France heatwave: 14 departments on red alert as temperatures top 40C
Heat set to continue until weekend
Much of the south-west and Rhone Valley is on red alert amid reports that the extreme heat will continue for several daysLightspring / shutterstock/ Visactu
Weather alerts due to the continuing heatwave have been raised across most of France on Tuesday, August 12, with maximum (red) alerts in 14 departments as temperatures again exceed 40C in many areas.
State weather service M茅t茅o-France took the precaution of placing much of the south-west and Rhone Valley on red alert amid reports that the heatwave episode will continue until at least the end of the week.
The departments on red alert for August 12 include Gironde, Dordogne, Lot-et-Garonne, Lot, Landes, Gers, Haute-Garonne, Aude, Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne, Rh么ne, Is猫re, Dr么me and Ard猫che.
For the latest weather warnings visit M茅t茅o-France's page .
Extreme temperatures
In the south-west, peaks of 42-43C are forecast in Cahors (Lot) - up to 13C above seasonal norms - while Bordeaux (Gironde) and Agen (Lot-et-Garonne) could reach 42C.
Albi (Tarn) and Carcassonne (Aude) are also expected to hit 42C despite a risk of localised thunderstorms.
Elsewhere, 41C is forecast in Lyon (Rh么ne), Villefranche-sur-Sa么ne, Valence (Dr么me), Angoul锚me (Charente), Bourgoin-Jallieu (Is猫re) and P茅rigueux (Dordogne).
Grenoble and Voiron should reach 40C, while Saint-Marcellin and Villefontaine are expected to see 39C.
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These figures are between 12C and 14C higher than average for mid-August.
On the Aquitaine coast, where sea breezes usually moderate summer heat, M茅t茅o-France warns that temperatures may still touch 40C in places.
The combination of high temperatures, low humidity and occasional gusty winds increases the risk of outbreaks, particularly along the Mediterranean coast and south-west.
Some relief on Wednesday
Cloud cover should bring some respite to the south-west and Mediterranean coast on August 13. Thunderstorms are possible, however the heatwave is forecast to persist into the weekend and red weather alerts remain in place for the 14 departments on alert today.
Authorities continue to advise caution, urging people to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours, and check on vulnerable individuals. You can find tips for keeping your home cool here.
