Key points

• First heat wave of 2018 affecting several departments.

• On Friday, July 27, at 4:00 p.m., 15 departments were under an orange heat wave alert, and 25 departments were under a yellow alert. The day before, on Thursday, July 26, at 4 p.m., 18 departments were under an orange heat wave alert and 25 under a yellow alert. Two days prior, on Wednesday, July 25, 18 departments were under an orange alert and 21 under a yellow alert. This heat wave has been ongoing for 4 days

• A new heatwave could potentially develop and persist next week.

• A significant increase in emergency room visits and SOS Médecins consultations for heat-related illnesses (PLC) has been observed. These increases are expected during a heatwave.

• For yesterday, July 26, 2018, across the five affected regions, emergency care visits for heat-related illnesses doubled compared to previous days, accounting for 1.05% of emergency room visits (all ages) and 2.11% of SOS Médecins consultations (all ages). All age groups are affected by these increases, particularly those over 75.

• The trend in heat-related medical care indicates that extreme heat remains a significant health risk. It is important to follow the recommended precautions appropriate for each age group.