For real-time weather updates, you can consult the Météo-France weather advisory map, which is updated at least twice a day at 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.: http://vigilance.meteofrance.com. A "Heat Wave" information hotline, accessible at 0 800 06 66 66 (toll-free from a landline in France), has been activated by the Directorate General for Health (toll-free from a landline in France, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.) to answer questions and provide information on health recommendations to follow during periods of extreme heat.

Santé publique France reminds the public of simple precautions to take, which apply to everyone—including healthy individuals—to best combat the effects of the heat

It is important to protect yourself, even when the heat is short-lived. Prevention advice applies particularly to vulnerable individuals (people over 65, people with disabilities or illnesses, dependent individuals, pregnant women, young children, homeless people, etc.) and to workers exposed to heat, who are at greater risk of complications.

• Everything you need to know about behavioral and prevention recommendations

• Drink water regularly without waiting until you’re thirsty;

• Cool off and wet your body (at least your face and forearms) several times a day;

• Eat enough and avoid alcohol;

• Avoid going outside during the hottest hours of the day and spend several hours a day in a cool place (movie theater, public library, supermarket, museum, etc.);

• Avoid physical exertion;

• Keep your home cool (close windows and shutters during the day; open them in the evening and at night if it’s cooler);

• Be sure to check in with your loved ones regularly and, whenever necessary, don’t hesitate to ask for help;

• Check the Météo-France website regularly for updates.

When driving and on long trips

• Remember to bring water and a spray bottle with you on car trips;

• Stop regularly to rest and cool off;

• At some highway rest areas, water fountains or misting stations are available for your use;

• If possible, schedule your trip for cooler times of day;

• Never leave anyone alone in a car, especially a child, as the temperature inside the vehicle can rise very quickly.

Weather alert levels under the National Heatwave Plan (PNC)

• Level 1 'seasonal watch' of the PNC corresponds to the green heatwave alert level on the Météo-France alert map;

• Level 2 'heat advisory' of the PNC corresponds to the yellow heatwave alert level in the event of a temporary heat spike lasting one or two days, a period of intense heat without reaching alert thresholds, or a high probability of transitioning to an orange heatwave alert in the coming days;

• Level 3 'heatwave alert' of the PNC is triggered by departmental prefects, in coordination with Regional Health Agencies, based on the transition to an orange heatwave alert;

• Level 4 – 'maximum mobilization' corresponds to the transition to a red heatwave alert in the event of a confirmed exceptional, very intense, and prolonged heatwave, with the emergence of major collateral effects in sectors of vital importance (drought, drinking water supply, overcrowding of hospitals or funeral homes, etc.).

Reminder of the 'Heat Wave and Health Alert System'

The Heat Wave and Health Alert System (SACS), established under the National Heat Wave Plan (NHP), runs from June 1 to August 31. Activation of the National Heat Wave Plan levels is triggered when both the minimum and maximum biometeorological indices (IBM) are reached or exceeded on the same day. The IBM (min/max) values represent the average of the minimum and maximum temperatures forecast by Météo-France for the next three days (D, D+1, D+2). The main objective of this system is to prevent a significant impact of heat on public health by identifying alert thresholds based on daytime and nighttime temperatures above which the risk of death is likely to increase.