A heatwave is settling over the region. Starting this Saturday, June 28 at noon, the Alpes-Maritimes will be placed under orange heatwave alert. Authorities are urging caution, particularly for the most vulnerable people.
Nice and the entire department are preparing to experience a period of intense heat. As of this Friday, June 27, Mรฉtรฉo France has placed the Alpes-Maritimes under yellow alert. The situation intensifies from Saturday, June 28 at noon with a switch to orange alert.
This phenomenon is part of a heatwave that already affects four other departments in the south of France: the Pyrรฉnรฉes-Orientales, Hรฉrault, Gard, and Bouches-du-Rhรดne.
According to forecasts, temperatures will continue to rise. This Friday, maximum temperatures are expected to range between 30 and 33ยฐC. The minimum temperatures overnight will remain high, especially along the coast, where they are not expected to drop below 23 to 26ยฐC.
The peak of the heat is expected Saturday afternoon. Temperatures will then reach between 32 and 34ยฐC on the coast and can rise up to 36ยฐC in the interior valleys. The high sea temperature will limit nighttime cooling, exacerbating the feeling of heat in the city.
Precautions and Recommendations
The authorities are warning about the risks associated with this heatwave. Some populations are more exposed: the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, people suffering from mental disorders, or those taking regular medication. Isolated individuals are also concerned.
State services are calling for increased vigilance. They remind the best practices to adopt during a heatwave:
- Drink water several times a day.
- Eat sufficiently.
- Wet your body regularly.
- Avoid going out during the hottest hours.
- Wear light clothing and a hat.
- Find a cool or air-conditioned place for a few hours each day.
- Limit physical and sports activities.
- Close shutters and windows during the day, and ventilate at night.
- Check in on vulnerable relatives and offer them help.
- In case of discomfort, consult a doctor or call emergency services.
Some symptoms should raise concern, notably a very high body temperature, hot and dry skin, nausea, headaches, or even confusion. These signs may indicate a heat stroke.
Residents are encouraged to visit official websites such as sante.gouv.fr and vivre-avec-la-chaleur.fr for more information. The social media accounts of the Alpes-Maritimes prefect and Mรฉtรฉo France also provide regular updates.
The prefecture also recommends reaching out to your local city hall for any local information.
As summer is barely starting, this episode serves as a reminder: extreme heat should not be taken lightly.
