Heat Wave: Situation as of July 15, 2015The National Heat Wave Plan has been at the seasonal alert level since June 1, 2015. Forecasts from Météo-France indicate a return of extreme heat across much of the country, from the Southwest to the Center, from Auvergne to Burgundy, and the western part of the Dauphiné. The Rhône department is particularly affected, with maximum temperatures expected to reach 36 to 39°C. From Aquitaine to Île-de-France and Alsace, maximum temperatures are expected to reach 34 to 36°C.For real-time information on weather conditions, you can consult the Météo-France alert map, which is updated at least twice daily at 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the following website: http://vigilance.meteofrance.com.

Initial Results of the 2015 DROWNING SurveySwimming attracts the largest crowds during the summer, even more so this year due to the intense heat at the start of the season. While water is a source of well-being and refreshment, it can also be the cause of accidents. The French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (InVS), as part of the 2015 NOYADES survey, has recorded 275 accidental drownings since June 1, 109 of which resulted in death—an average of 3 per day between June 1 and July 5. These occurred in all types of water bodies: 34% at sea, 24% in rivers, 21% in swimming pools, 17% in lakes and ponds, and 4% in other locations (bathtubs, pools, etc.). All age groups are affected, particularly young people—23 deaths among those under 20—and people aged 65 and older—46 deaths.Compared to the last NOYADES survey conducted in 2012: over the same period, the number of deaths rose from 73 to 109. Among those under 20, it rose from 12 to 23 deaths, and among those 65 and older, from 20 to 46.