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Weather Warnings, Heatwaves and Water Restrictions
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Information and links to daily French government information on the heat warnings and water restrictions for the summer season...
MeteoFrance issues national weather warnings. These are published on a map updated twice daily.- For up-to-the minute weather warnings visit MeteoFrance
Green: No warnings in place | |
Yellow: Minor alert | |
Orange: High alert, dangerous meteorological conditions are forecast | |
Red: Maximum alert, severe and dangerous weather conditions. Precautions to be taken |
- Violent winds (vent violent)
- Extremely heavy rain (pluie-inondation)
- Thunderstorms (orage)
- Snow and ice (neige-verglas)
- Heatwave / extreme temperatures (canicule)
Heat
Each summer France runs a heatwave 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 with orange being a high alert and red maximum mobilisation.- Level 1: No alert in place
- 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
Weather warnings
- Heat wave Information Service (Canicule Info Service), Tel: 0800 06 66 66, freephone open from 09:00-19:00 (French only)
- MeteoFrance has a map of the weather warnings
- Georisque has a map with risks by region (in French)
- The French Government on weather related risks (in French)
Drought and Water
During periods of low rainfall, water restrictions may be imposed in certain dry areas 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.- The French Government have a map outlining the degree of restrictions in effect (sécheresse)
- Class 1 (white): Situation normal, no restrictions apply
- Class 2 (yellow): Period of vigilance with some restrictions applying
- Class 3 (orange): Serious situation limiting irrigation and use of mains water
- Class 4 (red): Situation serious, exceptional drought and dryness with water restrictions usually prohibiting irrigation and limiting use of mains water
Local restrictions
The departmental office of the Préfecture announces the restrictions. Generally these limit or prohibit use of domestic tap water to water gardens, wash cars or boats and fill swimming pools. Some restrictions on crop irrigation may also be imposed. Restrictions are usually applied to the use of all water, whether from private wells, bore holes, streams or from the piped water supply (although not re-cycled water).Emergency Numbers
- SAMU (ambulance/medical): 15
- Fire service: 18
- Pan-European emergency number: 112