The National Heat Wave Plan has been at the seasonal watch level since June 1, 2011.

According to Météo-France’s analysis of the situation as part of the Heat Wave and Health Alert System implemented by the InVS, no heat wave is expected in the next 24 hours that would warrant the issuance of a health alert.

Closure of the 2011 Heat Wave and Health Alert System

Established in the summer of 2004 following the 2003 heat wave, the Heat Wave and Health Alert System is coordinated by the InVS in close collaboration with Météo-France and operates annually from June 1 to August 31. Integrated into the National Heat Wave Plan, it is based on the daily monitoring of meteorological and health indicators.

This summer, France experienced two significant periods of extreme heat:

• from June 25 to 29, 20 departments in southwestern, central, and central-eastern France were placed under a yellow heat wave alert;

• between August 17 and 24, the “Warning and Action” level—corresponding to Level 2 out of 3 in the National Heat Wave Plan—was triggered in a total of 12 departments, for varying durations depending on the department: - Lot-et-Garonne (47) in Aquitaine, - Allier (03) and Puy-de-Dôme (63) in Auvergne, - Saône-et-Loire (71) in Burgundy, - Haute-Garonne (31), Gers (32), Tarn (81), and Tarn-et-Garonne (82) in Midi-Pyrénées, - Loire (42), Rhône (69), Ain (01), and Isère (39) in Rhône-Alpes.In addition, 26 departments stretching from the southwest to the northeast were placed under a yellow heat wave alert for the entire period.

During these episodes, monitoring of heat-related health indicators made it possible to track any potential health consequences. To date, no major impact has been identified.

• Up-to-the-minute information may be published on the homepage of the InVS website.

• Weekly regional epidemiological reports are also available in the Regions and Territories section.

• Public prevention advice and information on geographic areas affected by a heat wave are available via the hotline: Heat Wave Info Service (Toll-free from a landline):