Key Points

• On Monday, August 6, 67 departments across 9 regions are under an orange alert, and 18 departments are under a yellow alert.

• This heat wave has been ongoing for 13 days, though not all regions have been affected equally.

• The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region has been affected the longest and has not seen any respite since the heatwave began. This factor must be taken into account, given that duration and intensity are key determinants of morbidity and mortality.

• A widespread drop in temperatures across the entire country signals the end of the heatwave, expected on Wednesday, August 8.

• Since Thursday, August 2, when the Orange alert was extended to 66 departments, there has been a steady increase in emergency room visits and SOS Médecins consultations for heat-related illnesses (PLC). The rates observed on Friday, August 3, and Saturday, August 4, are the highest since the start of the heat wave. Activity stabilized on Sunday, August 5 (data currently being consolidated).

• The proportion of hospitalizations for heat-related illnesses has stabilized (accounting for half of all admissions across all age groups, and around 75 to 80% for those aged 75 and older).

• Extreme heat remains a significant health risk. Preventive measures must be taken by everyone, particularly children, pregnant women, vulnerable individuals, seniors, and drivers.