France’s ‘short but intense’ heatwave is entering its final days with temperatures decreasing slightly today (July 31) and significantly tomorrow.
Heightened heatwave warnings remain in place in 41 departments and most areas will see highs of between 30C and 36C today, predicts state forecaster Météo France.
In parts of the south-west around Toulouse – and the Rhône Valley up to Lyon – temperatures may reach 38C, and in the interior areas of the south-east, up to 39C.
Thursday will see temperatures drop significantly in most places by between 5C and 8C.
In the north, including Paris, temperatures will reach between 25C and 30C, and hover below 25C along the Normandy and Brittany coastlines.
The south-west will see similar temperatures, with a maximum of 30C, although in some inland areas highs of 34C are expected.
The only place temperatures will remain higher is the Mediterranean south, with between 34C and 38C expected (although slightly cooler along most of the coastline).
Use the maps below to look at the temperatures for today and tomorrow in your area.
The heightened heatwave warnings are likely to be reduced or removed altogether by Friday (August 2).
However, Météo France only provides information on official warnings two days in advance, so this is not yet known for sure.
Departments will still be able to activate heatwave plans including measures to protect the elderly and other vulnerable residents.
France’s national rail operator the SNCF has launched its heatwave plan, which includes handing out bottles of water on trains and in some stations, and installing water fountains in major rail hubs. Some stations will also have “refreshment zones” with devices installed to make the spaces cooler for waiting passengers.
These plans are in force at stations in departments under a heightened orange warning for heatwaves.
The objectives are twofold: firstly, to reduce the number of passengers who fall sick from the heat, either in stations or during their journey, which can lead to delays, particularly if emergency services need to be called out.
Secondly, it is to help passengers deal with longer than expected travel times.
“When it's hot and sunny, it heats up the rails and catenaries… which can expand and deform. (...) On older networks [i.e non high-speed lines] the SNCF slows down the speed of trains, which can lead to delays,” transport specialist Arnaud Aymé, told BFMTV.
