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HEATWAVE

HEATWAVE LATEST: Alerts extended across France with Paris set for record high temperature

Official heatwave alerts were issued for 59 départements across France on Monday, including Paris where record high temperatures are forecast this week. Members of the public have been warned to take precautions as temperatures rise.

Published: 22 July 2019 16:34 CEST
HEATWAVE LATEST: Alerts extended across France with Paris set for record high temperature
AFP

Heatwave warnings were in place for more of the country on Monday afternoon as the mercury began to rise and the latest canicule (heatwave) took hold.

In all some 59 départements had Orange alerts in place – the second highest warning level – by Monday afternoon, including the whole of the south west, central France, the Paris region and the east of the country (see map below).

The country's weather service Météo France said that temperatures in the south west had risen by 10C since Sunday and the warm front had reached central and northern areas.

Temperatures will reach over 40C in many parts of the country over the coming days.

 

READ ALSO: What you need to know about the new heatwave hitting France

 

 

Temperatures in the south west were forecast to edge up towards 40C on Monday but Wednesday and Thursday look like being the hottest days across the country.

On Monday Paris activated its heatwave plan which meant a closer eye is kept on vulnerable people, including the elderly and the homeless, while “cool rooms” such as public buildings are opened up to members of the public.

It is likely that the country's weather agency Météo France will issue more heatwave alerts for other parts of the country throughout the week.

“Thursday (July 25) will be a potentially historically hot day,” said François Jobard a forecaster from Météo France.”We are forecasting 41 or 42 degrees in Paris on Thursday and there is the strong chance of beating the record,” he added.

The highest ever temperature recorded in Paris was 40.4 degrees Celsius (104.7 degrees Fahrenheit) in 1947. Since records began in 1873, this was the only time a plus-40 temperature was recorded in the French capital, he said.

Other French cities could also see their all time records tumble on Thursday including Reims, Bourges, Lille and Clermont Ferrand, he said.

 

 

 

Map: Météo France

As ever the canicule (heatwave) warning issued by Météo France brings with it advice for members of the public.

People, especially the elderly and most vulnerable, are advised to spend as much of the day as possible in a cool place, avoid going outside when the day is at its hottest and drink water regularly.

Météo France also issues the following advice.

* In case of discomfort or behavioural problems, call a doctor.
* If you need help call your local town hall.
* If you have elderly, chronically ill or isolated people in your life, check in with them or visit them twice a day. Accompany them to a cool place.
* During the day close shutters, curtains and windows. Ventilate at night.
* Use fan and/or air conditioning if available. Otherwise try to go to a cool or air-conditioned place (such as a supermarket or cinema) for two to three hours a day.
* Wet your body several times a day with a mist, a washcloth or by taking showers or baths.
* Adults and children: drink plenty of water, the elderly: drink 1.5L of water per day and eat normally.
* Do not go out during the hottest hours (11am-9pm).
* If you have to go out wear a hat and light clothing.
* Limit your physical activities.
 
The symptoms of heat stroke are listed as: fever above 40C, hot, red, dry skin, headache, nausea, drowsiness, intense thirst, confusion, convulsions and loss of consciousness.
 
There is more health advice available on the Ministry of Health site at www.sante.gouv.fr.

 

 

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CLIMATE

Climate crisis: The Italian cities worst affected by flooding and heatwaves

The climate crisis is causing serious problems for Italy's biggest cities and extreme weather events are going to become more frequent, according to a new report.

Published: 21 September 2021 17:30 CEST
Climate crisis: The Italian cities worst affected by flooding and heatwaves
A file photo from November 12th, 2019 shows flooding during an exceptionally high 'acqua alta' in Venice.Photo: Marco Bertorello/AFP

Anyone who was in Italy throughout this year’s long, hot summer may suspect that heatwaves are becoming a more frequent occurrence.

And residents of the lagoon city of Venice will no doubt be able to attest to the devastating impact of serious floods, as well as to the fact that such events appear to be becoming increasingly frequent.

In fact, a new study by the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC) has confirmed that the incidence rate of both heatwaves and floods in Italy has increased significantly – and is only expected to keep rising.

READ ALSO: From Venice to Mont Blanc, how is the climate crisis affecting Italy?

The report stated that average temperatures have risen overall in the last 30 years and continue to rise in all cities.

“Risks associated with climate change affect all Italian regions and their economic sectors,” the study’s authors stated. “Despite contrasts, with different areas being affected in different ways, there are no regions that can be considered immune from climate risks.”

The report found that the southern city of Naples had experienced the biggest increase in the frequency and severity of heatwaves.

Heatwaves fuelled the most destructive fire season to date in Italy this summer Photo: Nicolas TUCAT/AFP

The southern city has in recent years reported an average of 50 more intensely hot days per year than it did at the beginning of the century.

The same figure for Milan was +30 days, Turin +29 and Rome +28. 

Although extreme weather events have always existed and Italy is no stranger to intense heat, numerous studies have found that the climate crisis is making heatwaves more frequent and more dangerous.

Meanwhile, in Venice, over the last 150 years the relative water level of the city has risen by more than 30 centimeters, and the critical threshold has been exceeded 40 times in the last 10 years, the CMCC found..

The report also warned that the city of Bologna could expect to see an increase in the intensity and frequency of flooding in the future.

READ ALSO: Floods in Italy: What to do when there’s a weather warning

It added that “all scenarios” showed an increased risk of heatwaves and urban flooding in the coming years.

In 2019, Rome was found to be the city in Europe most at risk of flooding, according to water monitoring authorities.

“There are parts of Rome that can’t withstand a heavy downpour,” said the Central Apennines District Basin Authority.

Rome’s soft soil and famous hills make it naturally vulnerable to erosion and mudslides, while the authority said poorly maintained sewers, waste dumping and vegetation blocking the course of the Tiber and Aniene rivers were contributing to the flood risk.

Previous studies have also found that Rome suffered the highest number of extreme weather events overall in recent years.

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