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France is experiencing an unprecedented heatwave, with the government raising the health alert to its highest level (level 3) as temperatures soar and deaths mount. The national average temperature hit a record 30°C on Wednesday, the hottest day since 1947 Source: infobae. 72 of France's 100 departments are under red alert, affecting over 44 million people Source: theguardian.
The heatwave has led to a 'significant increase' in mortality, according to Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire Source: infobae. Emergency services are overwhelmed: in Paris, 25 cardiac arrests were recorded in 24 hours, compared to a normal rate of fewer than 10 Source: elpaises. The SAMU emergency phone system has seen calls increase by up to 40% in some regions Source: infobae. At least 40 drownings have been reported since June 18, mostly among young people Source: lavanguardia. The government fears a repeat of the 2003 heatwave that killed 15,000 Source: clarin.
As the heatwave shifts east, severe thunderstorms with hail and winds up to 90 km/h are expected from the southwest, prompting orange storm alerts in several departments Source: euronewses. The heat has caused power outages affecting 68,000 homes in Finistère Source: bbc, and a nuclear reactor at Golfech was shut down due to high river temperatures Source: lavanguardia.
Schools have adapted: 13,500 were closed or had altered hours Source: euronewses. The Louvre and Eiffel Tower are closing early in the afternoons Source: bbc. A 'Ciné-clim' initiative in Paris offers free air-conditioned cinema screenings for vulnerable groups Source: euronewsen. Fan and air conditioner sales have skyrocketed, with Carrefour selling 30,000 units in a single day Source: scmp.
“"La tasa de mortalidad está aumentando" pero "corresponde a las autoridades sanitarias" proporcionar información actualizada.”
“Diez departamentos pasarán a estar en alerta naranja por tormentas en la tarde del jueves, debido a la llegada de una masa de aire menos cálida procedente del Atlántico.”
“More than 44 million people in France, out of a total population of 67 million, have been under the highest red alert for heat this week.”
“Se teme un escenario sanitario como el de 2003, cuando murieron 15.000 personas en otra ola de calor.”
“In France, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the health alert level is being raised to its highest, to boost hospital staffing and protect the vulnerable.”
“On Monday, hypermarket operator Carrefour had sold 30,000 units by 6.30pm – 'a thousand times more than on a normal day', CEO Alexandre Bompard said.”
“Desde el pasado 18 de junio ha habido al menos 40 fallecimientos, en su mayoría gente joven, según anunció ayer el propio primer ministro, Sébastien Lecornu.”
“Several independent cinemas in the 10th arrondissement - L’Archipel, Le Brady and Le Louxor - have initiated the 'Ciné-clim' scheme, which offers free afternoon screenings in air-conditioned theatres between 1pm and 4pm.”