Drought still affects the majority of French territory. 73 departments imposed water restriction measures because of almost empty groundwater. 26 departments are even in crisis. An episode that worries specialists by its intensity and precocity. According to Météo France, this is the seventh worst drought since 1958.
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And the episode of heat wave looming for this beginning of the week will not make any difference. Peaks of 42 degrees are expected in the south-west and central-east. In Brignoles, in the Var, it is already 35 degrees for example, and not a drop of rain has fallen for a month. The vegetation has dried up, the earth has become dust ... The slightest spark fanned by the wind would have dramatic consequences.
"We are in water stress"
"You have temperature / wind cocktails that make us water stressed, that is to say at risk, it only takes a little bit of wind to have major fires," warns Eric Grohin, director of air services. fire and rescue in the Var.
Firefighters therefore remind us that we must limit risky behavior as much as possible: do not make barbecues near forests, never throw cigarettes by the window, do not brush and do not go for a walk in the forest massifs when the prefecture prohibited. Recommendations that will apply with even more vigor in the three to five days that should last the heat wave.