Key Points

• Significant expansion of departments under an orange alert: 34 departments on Wednesday, August 1, spread across 7 regions, compared to 19 on Tuesday, July 31, and 9 on Monday, July 30. Additionally, there are currently 38 departments under a yellow alert.

• This heat wave has been ongoing for 8 days, though not all regions are affected equally.

• The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region has been affected for the longest period. This region, which has seen no respite since the start of the heatwave, will experience particularly high daytime and nighttime temperatures in the coming days. This factor must be taken into account, given that duration and intensity are key determinants of morbidity and mortality.

• An increase in emergency room visits and SOS Médecins consultations for heat-related illnesses (PLC) was observed on Monday, July 30, and Tuesday, July 31, across all age groups. These increases are expected during a heat wave.

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