France is currently managing its fifth heatwave since June, with national weather service Meteo-France placing 43 departments under an orange heat alert for Tuesday. During this period, maximum temperatures are anticipated to range between 35°C and 37°C.
The situation is forecast to escalate on Wednesday, as the number of departments under the orange alert is set to increase to 67. During this time, temperatures are expected to climb, with maximums reaching between 36°C and 39°C. Forecasters suggest that the high temperatures will persist through Thursday and Friday, remaining between 35°C and 39°C across the majority of the country, with some regions locally reaching up to 40°C.
Beyond the immediate health risks associated with the rising heat, the country is also grappling with persistent drought conditions that have led to a continued decline in water levels. Thibault Datry, an aquatic ecology research director at the research institute Inrae, explained to the broadcaster BFM that the impact on the nation's waterways is severe. According to Datry, there are locations where observers can see “more rocks than water.” He further noted that all rivers in France are currently at extremely low levels, stating that there is no longer sufficient water to ensure river navigation.
