With heat largely dominating over the year 2022 and a risk of drought which is already very high in several regions of France due to the lack of precipitation, temperature records which are regularly broken and humidity indices below normal, the situation seems increasingly worrying for France.
Will we exceed seasonal norms in the coming days?
Severe heat waves most often start from the end of June and the question we can ask ourselves today is that after a very hot month of May, are we going to have to face strong heat in the next few days and exceed seasonal norms?
Nobody can really confirm if there will be heat waves but many signals indicate that periods of high heat will be more and more frequent in France. With a dry winter and spring, should we therefore expect a very hot month of June followed by a scorching summer?
Our country has already experienced several heat waves in June and the last ones date from 2019, 2017 and 2006, so are we going to experience the same thing in 2022?
Should we be prepared to face a heat dome?
The heat dome is a climatic phenomenon that can lead to significant water shortages, power cuts and it can be dangerous for the population, especially for the weakest. It is a hot circle that forms above cities and regions. This meteorological phenomenon has already caused thousands of deaths in India and Pakistan with extremely high temperatures, but countries closer to us can also be affected by a heat dome such as Italy. Will France also experience this phenomenon in June or this summer?
A new #domedechaleur ♨️ sets up on the Mediterranean, from the Maghreb to the#Italy. This country will undergo a long #heat wave (for at least the next 10 days) with temperatures between 36° and 40°C 🌡️ For the south of France, the heat will be temporary. pic.twitter.com/MpewJGQazt
— The Weather Channel (@lachainemeteo) May 30, 2022
From what temperature do we speak of a heat wave?
We speak of a heat wave when the average daytime temperature is equal to or greater than 21°C for three days and the night temperature is greater than 18°C.
Why can heat waves be dangerous?
Most people adapt well to high heat, but the heat wave can be dangerous for the elderly and or disabled and the weakest among us.
The elderly are particularly vulnerable due to an increased risk of dehydration during a heat wave and they tend to feel tired more quickly and feel less thirsty which makes them more vulnerable to the heat and the dangers of the heat wave. .
How to protect yourself from the heat wave?
To protect yourself from the heat wave that could arrive soon, you can take the right steps to avoid heat stroke.
Drink regularly and at room temperature: It is advisable to drink plenty of water and at room temperature, because drinking too cold will increase your body temperature, which is counterproductive for withstanding high heat. Even if you do not feel thirsty, do not hesitate to drink a sip of water at the slightest opportunity and if you have to go out, take a bottle of water with you.
Avoid hot drinks: Hot drinks such as tea or coffee have a diuretic effect which makes you lose water and increases the risk of dehydration.
Avoid rich dishes: Eating too much fat or too much sugar can make digestion difficult and raise body temperature. Choose fruits and vegetables rich in water such as watermelon, melon, lemon, tomato, cucumber.
Wear loose clothing so that the air circulates more easily and evacuates perspiration while favoring light colors which capture less heat than black.
Avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day, do not expose yourself to the sun and above all do not make physical efforts outside during these periods of high heat.
These few simple tips to apply can help you better withstand the next heat waves.