Heatwaves & Water Restrictions in France

Information and links to daily French government information on the heat warnings and water restrictions for the summer season.

Heat

Each summer France runs a heat wave warning system, the plan canicule, intended to prevent and fight against the medical consequences of a heat wave. Weather reports on TV, radio and in newspapers will quote the four levels of alert.

They are:

Level 1: Seasonal alert from June 1 to August 31
Level 2: Pre-alarm: Heat wave forecast for three days. Preventions and protection to be put into effect
Level 3: Alarm: Effective heat wave. People to behave appropriately
Level 4: Maximum Mobilisation: Heat wave with severe medical impact expected

People are recommended to take precautions by staying out of direct heat and sun and drinking water regularly and special care should be taken of the young, elderly and ill.

Further information

From the Ministère de la Santé: Click here
Heat wave Information Service (Canicule Info Service): 0800 06 66 66 (Monday to Saturday 08:00-20:00)

Water

Water restrictions are frequently in place in parts of France. The Ministère d'Ecologie et du Développement website carries regular updates on communes in which restrictions have been imposed as well as what those restrictions are. Once water restrictions are in force, local government will make a map available showing the levels of restrictions in each area.

They are: