Heat wave: Alpes-Maritimes placed on orange alert this noon until early next week

The Alpes-Maritimes will move to orange heat wave alert this Thursday, July 30 from noon onwards. Temperatures will continue to rise over the coming days, with particularly warm nights on the coast. Météo-France is forecasting an episode that could extend into the beginning of next week.

The prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes announces the department’s transition to orange heat wave alert as of Thursday, July 30 at 12 noon, according to Météo-France forecasts. This development marks a new intensification of the extreme heat affecting the region for several weeks now.

Thursday afternoon, temperatures will reach 31 to 34°C on the coast, 34 to 37°C in the interior of the department and up to 30°C in the mountains. After an already warm night, the thermometer will drop very little.

This orange alert also reflects a gradual increase in minimum temperatures. Nights will become increasingly difficult to bear, with approximately 26°C expected on the Alpes-Maritimes coastline. In the Var, minimum temperatures should remain between 20 and 24°C.

According to Météo-France, this heat wave is a continuation of episodes recorded since mid-June. A few showers could affect the Nice hinterland on Friday and Saturday. However, this change remains to be confirmed. No storm activity is anticipated at this stage.

The orange alert should remain in place for several days. Based on current forecasts, this episode could continue until the beginning of next week, although the situation is being closely monitored.

Authorities urge people to adopt proper precautions against the heat

The prefecture reminds that extreme heat poses an increased risk for the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, people with mental health disorders, people taking regular medication as well as isolated individuals. Children, athletes and people working outdoors are also among the most vulnerable populations.

Heat stroke can cause body temperature above 40°C, hot, red and dry skin, headaches, nausea, intense thirst, drowsiness, confusion, seizures or loss of consciousness.

Faced with this situation, authorities recommend drinking water regularly, continuing to eat normally and cooling down several times a day. Outings should be limited during the hottest hours. When going out, wearing light clothing and a hat is advised. The prefecture also invites the population to favor cool or air-conditioned places, reduce physical activities, keep homes cool by closing shutters during the day and then airing them out at night, and regularly check in on vulnerable people in your circle. In case of discomfort or behavioral changes, a doctor should be contacted immediately.

This new alert comes as several heat episodes have followed one another since the beginning of summer. With nighttime temperatures that will no longer allow the body to recover effectively, the coming days promise to be particularly trying on the Alpes-Maritimes coast as well as in the interior valleys.