France swelters under scorching 40°C heatwave Wildfire Risk Skyrockets

A severe heatwave with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius has prompted France to issue a high alert across much of the country.

The national weather service, Météo France, has urged residents to exercise extreme caution on August 12 as 14 departments face the highest level of heat warning—red—while another 64 remain under an orange alert.

Health Minister Catherine Vautrin has instructed hospitals to prepare for an increase in patients weakened by the intense heat. The soaring temperatures have also contributed to elevated ozone pollution and deteriorating air quality in several urban areas.

In response, the city of Lyon has taken the unusual step of keeping a park open overnight to allow people to sleep outdoors. Additionally, several air-conditioned museums have opened their doors free of charge to provide relief to the public.

Bordeaux has also opened a centre offering shelter from the heat, specifically for homeless individuals.

Public warnings have been displayed in places like the Paris metro, encouraging people to stay hydrated and take precautions against the heat.

The risk of wildfires remains critically high due to persistent heat and dry conditions. Météo France has warned that the ongoing heatwave is drying out soils and vegetation further, with the south-west of France experiencing an unusually severe drought.

Over the weekend, firefighters succeeded in largely containing one of the largest wildfires seen in decades, which had been burning in the south after several days of intense firefighting efforts.

By Aghakazim Guliyev