France is facing its third heatwave this summer with temperatures expected to rise from 38 to 40°C
Twenty-six départements in the country are on “orange alert” due to the rising temperatures. Except for the northeastern regions, the forecast will affect most of America.
The temperatures could reach as high as 40 degrees in the southwestern parts of France.
Already 60 French départéments are at a “crisis” level for drought, with water restrictions in place due to the lack of precipitation.
The month of July 2022 was marked by a record rainfall deficit in France with less than four days of rain recorded in the plain – around 3 to 10 days fewer than the average, Météo France has said.
The weather agency reported that the average precipitation was 9.7mm, which is a deficit in 85%.
July 2022 also ranked July is the driest Monat since 1959 in the country.
Several regions in Spain are also on alert for heatwave temperatures reaching 40°C.
“The persistence of the heat this summer is extraordinary, and it seems that it will continue,” Spain’s meteorological agency said.
“Although during the second half of this week there will be slight temperature drops, unusually high temperatures are forecast for the next 15 days in large areas of the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands.”
Multiple countries in southern Europe have imposed water restrictions due to drought.
A recent report from European Commission revealed that nearly half the EU is at risk from severe drought.
Experts warn that high temperatures and drought can create the perfect conditions for wildfires. Dry vegetation can make a fire spread faster and be more flammable.
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