Paris, June 29: France is bracing for another heatwave as the country grapples with the aftermath of two devastating heatwaves this month. Approximately 1,000 additional deaths have been reported due to the extreme heat, with health officials confirming these fatalities occurred between June 24 and June 27. While the French meteorological agency, Météo-France, has indicated that the last two days of June may bring some relief, the heat crisis is far from over. The government has warned of a potential third major heatwave in July.
According to media outlet The Connection, authorities anticipate that extreme heat could return after July 6, lasting until July 14. France’s Minister for Ecological Transition, Bérangère Couillard, has expressed concerns about the likelihood of severe heat returning post-July 6. This warning comes as Météo-France has already predicted a hotter-than-normal summer this year. The two significant heatwaves in May and June have severely impacted various regions across the country.
This year’s heat has shattered several records, with June 24 marking the hottest day ever recorded in France for this month. Although a slight respite in temperatures is expected at the end of June, it is unlikely to last long. Meteorologists predict that scorching winds from the Sahara Desert may begin affecting France again starting July 6.
Conditions may resemble a heatwave by the second week of July. If daytime and nighttime temperatures remain about 3 degrees Celsius above normal for three consecutive days, an official heatwave warning could be issued.
Experts suggest that a cold air pressure system forming near the coast of Spain, combined with a strong high-pressure system over Western Europe, could lead to the re-emergence of the “heat dome” effect. In this scenario, hot air becomes trapped in the atmosphere, causing temperatures to rise further.
The Connection reports that if a third major heatwave occurs in July, it could spell disaster for France. The most significant threat is the rapid drying of soil, which raises the risk of water shortages and crop damage. Dry land absorbs more heat during the day and fails to cool down at night, creating a vicious cycle of heat and drought that exacerbates both conditions.
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