Météo-France Reduces Orange Alert Departments, 67 Still Affected by Heatwave

Météo-France has downgraded its heatwave alert, reducing the number of departments on orange alert while still keeping 67 departments under some form of warning on Thursday. The agency reported that Wednesday's maximum temperatures were "stationary or slightly decreasing, often between 35 and 39°C." The heatwave has been affecting large parts of France, with high temperatures persisting across many regions. The reduction in alert level indicates a slight easing, but the widespread coverage underscores the severity and duration of the event. This follows several days of extreme heat that have strained health services, energy grids, and agriculture.

Global Impact

The heatwave in France, while not unprecedented, has significant economic and social dimensions. Economically, the sustained high temperatures pressure the energy sector, particularly nuclear power plants that may need to reduce output due to cooling water restrictions, potentially tightening European electricity supply.