New Heat Wave in France: Water Usage Restrictions Tightened

France continues to experience a severe heatwave, with an orange weather alert declared in 78 departments across the country. In several regions, temperatures are expected to exceed 35 degrees Celsius, with some areas, including Corsica, potentially rising above 40°C on Thursday.

The prolonged heat is complicating daily life for residents, as nighttime temperatures remain notably high, especially in the western part of the country. Authorities are advising the public to drink plenty of water, stay in cool areas when possible, and pay special attention to the elderly and young children.

Alongside the heat, France is also facing a worsening drought. Due to a lack of rainfall, the soil is extremely dry, and the situation in small rivers and streams is alarming. According to the French Biodiversity Agency, around 1,400 water bodies have already dried up.

As a result of the situation, water usage restrictions now apply to the majority of the population in mainland France and Corsica. Forecasts indicate no significant drop in temperatures until at least the weekend. Experts link these increasingly frequent and intense heat periods to climate change.