The Heatwave in France
The temperature in my apartment hit quite a high during the heatwave (canicule), climbing to almost 110ºF (40ºC.) People don’t like to use fans in Paris, and air-conditioning is even more suspect. So windows stay closed, and we are slowly simmering, and broiling, if you’re anything like me and live in a rooftop apartment, where the temperatures climb higher and higher than the rest of the city, you do what you can to survive the chaleur.
A number of people passed away in France in 2003; according to France24, the official news outlet of the country, the number was between 15,000 and 19,000. It’s a reminder to drink plenty of water, go swimming if you can, avoid alcohol (although it’s tough to endure this heat without icy glasses of rosé…), and check on any older neighbors, so we don’t have any repeats of the past…
Related Links
Canicule (Paris.fr)
Potentially dangerous heatwave hits Paris (France24)