France and several other European countries are preparing for another period of intense summer heat, with health agencies warning that the coming days could bring serious risks for elderly people, children, outdoor workers and people with medical conditions.
The warning comes after Europe experienced unusually high temperatures in recent weeks. Several regions have already faced heat-related health problems, pressure on hospitals, water shortages and disruption to transport services.
Authorities are now asking people to take precautions before temperatures rise again.
Extreme heat can be dangerous because the human body may struggle to cool itself. When temperatures remain high during the day and do not fall enough at night, people can become dehydrated, exhausted or seriously ill.
Older people are among the most vulnerable because they may not feel thirst quickly or may have health conditions that become worse in hot weather. Children are also at risk because their bodies can heat up faster than adults.
People with heart disease, breathing problems, diabetes and kidney conditions may need extra care during a heatwave.
France has faced several severe heatwaves in recent years. High temperatures have affected cities, villages, farms and tourist areas.
In large cities, heat can become even more dangerous because concrete roads, buildings and vehicles trap warmth. This is often called the urban heat effect.
Cities can remain hot even after sunset because buildings release stored heat slowly. People living in small apartments without air conditioning may find it difficult to sleep at night.
Poor sleep during hot weather can also affect health. Lack of rest can cause stress, weakness, headaches and difficulty concentrating.
Hospitals and emergency services often receive more calls during heatwaves. People may suffer from dehydration, heat exhaustion, fainting or heatstroke.
Heatstroke is a serious medical emergency. It can happen when body temperature rises dangerously high and the body can no longer cool itself.
Symptoms can include confusion, dizziness, severe headache, vomiting, very hot skin, fast heartbeat and loss of consciousness.
Authorities have advised people to drink water regularly even if they do not feel thirsty. Alcohol and too many sugary drinks can make dehydration worse.
People are also being advised to avoid heavy physical work during the hottest part of the day. Construction workers, delivery workers, farmers and street vendors may face higher risks because they spend long hours outside.
Employers may need to change work schedules so that outdoor work happens earlier in the morning or later in the evening.
Schools, care homes and hospitals may also need special heat plans.
In some areas, cooling centres may be opened for people who do not have safe places to stay during extreme heat. These centres can provide drinking water, shade, fans and medical support.
Local governments may also check on elderly people living alone. During heatwaves, some older residents may not leave their homes or may not have family nearby.
Health workers often say that neighbours and relatives can play an important role by checking on vulnerable people.
A simple phone call or visit can help identify someone who may need water, food, medicine or medical care.
The heatwave may also affect transport systems.
Railway tracks can expand in extreme heat, causing delays or safety checks. Roads can become damaged, and public transport vehicles may become uncomfortable if air-conditioning systems fail.
Airports can also face disruption because very high temperatures affect aircraft operations and runway conditions.
Farmers are closely watching the weather because hot and dry conditions can damage crops.
France is one of Europe’s major agricultural producers. The country grows wheat, grapes, vegetables, fruit and other important crops.
Long periods without rain can reduce crop production and increase the risk of wildfires.
Vineyards are especially important for France’s economy. High temperatures can affect grape quality and change the timing of harvests.
Farmers may need more water for irrigation, but water supplies can become limited during drought conditions.
Wildfire risk is also expected to increase in dry areas.
Forests, grasslands and rural regions can catch fire quickly when temperatures are high and vegetation is dry. Strong winds can make fires spread faster.
Firefighters may be placed on alert in areas where there is a higher risk of forest fires.
Residents living near forests or dry grassland may be asked to keep areas around their homes clear of dry leaves, branches and other materials that could catch fire.
The heatwave is also creating concern about electricity demand.
People use more electricity during hot weather because of fans, air conditioners and cooling systems. This can put pressure on power networks, especially during afternoon and evening hours.
Governments and energy companies may need to monitor electricity use carefully to avoid power cuts.
Water demand may also rise sharply. Families use more water for drinking, showers, gardens and cooling.
In areas already facing drought, local authorities may introduce restrictions on watering gardens, washing cars or filling swimming pools.
Climate experts say heatwaves are becoming more frequent and more intense in many parts of the world.
Warmer global temperatures can increase the chance of long periods of extreme heat. This means cities and governments may need to prepare better for future summers.
Buildings may need better insulation, more green spaces and improved cooling systems. Trees can help reduce temperatures by providing shade and cooling the air.
Public parks, shaded bus stops and water stations can also help people cope with extreme heat.
For now, the main concern is public safety.
People are being advised to stay indoors during the hottest hours if possible, wear light clothing, use hats and sunscreen outside, and avoid leaving children or pets inside parked vehicles.
Cars can become dangerously hot within minutes, even if windows are slightly open.
Families should keep drinking water available at home and watch for signs of heat-related illness.
The coming heatwave will test how prepared cities and communities are after recent periods of extreme weather.
Authorities will need to protect vulnerable residents, maintain water and electricity supplies, and ensure that hospitals are ready for a possible rise in heat-related emergencies.
France and other European countries are expected to continue issuing weather alerts as temperatures develop over the next few days.