A heat wave and tropical nights: the southwest is preparing, once again, to break records. Since the beginning of the month, the warmth has not left any respite, but the week of August 15 has promised to be a real “stress-test” for the body and the mind. While others take advantage of festivities and idleness, it is impossible to ignore weather news: Up to 42 ° C expected in the afternoon, nights that never really go down under 21 to 25 ° Cand twelve departments, from Gironde to Lot, placed in red vigilance. Faced with this episode of rare intensity, old reflexes are no longer enough and weariness wins. However, some simple gestures, precautions rooted in everyday life, and a dose of solidarity can make all the difference. Here is what you need to know – and above all, what should not be overlooked – to cross this “infernal week” without leaving your health or sleep.
We announce an infernal week: Face the heat wave of August 15 without losing your head (or health)
France is already experiencing this year a series of heat peaks, but the South West enters a red zone, literally and figuratively. After a very short respite linked to stormy degradation, A new scorching peak is expected precisely for the period of August 15. Between crowded beaches, crowded roads, and broken air conditioners, it will have to be tricky. Here’s how to limit risks and protect your well-being, even when the thermometer gets carried away until late at night.
Survive at extreme temperatures: Concrete tips to keep your body cool
Adapt your daily life to limit Heat -related risks
In the southwest, temperatures are close to or exceed 40 ° C in the afternoon. It is much more than just discomfort, it is a direct risk for the body, especially for the most vulnerable. Adapt your schedules is the first weapon: favoring outings early in the morning or in the evening, pushing physical activities, and never hesitating to cancel a superfluous trip. Keep your house or apartment closed between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. limits the accumulation of heat inside. For those who work or travel, organize to have a water point, a hat and a clear garment becomes essential, just like multiplying the pauses in the shade.
Mechanned hydration and suitable power supply: Protective reflexes to adopt
The temptation of a fresh soda or a well -hit beer is great, but Water remains your best ally. It is advisable to drink regularly without waiting for thirst, at least 1.5 to 2 liters per day, or even more in case of effort or significant perspiration. Foods rich in water (cucumber, watermelon, melon, tomatoes, etc.) are to be preferred, as are light meals, split during the day. An excess of protein or salt -rich dishes aggravates the risk of dehydration and increases digestion, already slowed down by heat.
The traps to avoid Absolutely during the day
Certain gestures, well anchored in habits, become real dangers when the temperature does not come down. Neglecting to renew the air in the evening, putting a fresh shower at later, or exposing yourself in the heat is multiplying the risks without realizing it. Use an unscathed fanwithout then ventilating, or maintaining all its shutters closed continuously until nightfall, are also frequent errors. Never leave a fragile adult, a child or an animal in a vehicle, even a few minutes, because the greenhouse effect inside can be fatal in a very short time.
Hot nights under surveillance: Transform your room into oasis of freshness
Create an environment conducive to sleep despite the stifling heat
When the temperature does not drop under 22 or 23 ° C at midnight, difficult to sleep. However, some concrete tips make it possible to win precious degrees: A ventilate as soon as the outside temperature becomes bearable, install a damp sheet in front of the window, or place a basin of fresh water near the bed. Use a damp cloth or wet your feet improves the feeling of freshness. Ban the duvets and prefer a cotton or natural linen cover also helps the body to evacuate heat.
Good practices to appease the body and mind before bedtime
Take a light meal, limit alcohol consumption, avoid blue screens, are all gestures that facilitate falling asleep. A fan can help, provided you do not direct it directly on yourself: place a bowl of ice in front of the air flow increases the feeling of freshness. Do not hesitate to opt for a warm shower (and not cold), which helps the body lower its body temperature without provoking a survival reaction.
Manage night awakenings: How to limit the impact on your recovery
In the event of alarm clock linked to heat or a feeling of suffocation, no need to go and go to sleep immediately. Hydrate, refresh the forehead and hands, ventilate the room for a few minutes Sometimes allows you to leave for a restorative cycle. Listening to soft music or practicing deep breathing can also reduce agitation. It is difficult to compensate for a whole sleepless night, but even short sleep phases help to recover and cross the next day.
Well surrounded, Well protected: solidarity and vigilance to leave no one in danger
Identify people at risk and set up a help network
The heat wave first strikes the most fragile: elderly, young children, chronic patients, or isolated people. Take the time to make a call, to visit an elderly neighbor or to offer a few races is not trivial. Everyone can make the difference by creating a chain of vigilance around you. Municipalities or associations sometimes offer day care solutions in air -conditioned places; Do not hesitate to go there or register a loved one who would need it.
React quickly to the alert signs: When to consult or call help
Some symptoms do not deceive: Strong persistent fever, headache, feeling of intense thirst, unusual fatigue, cramps, dizziness, confusion. These are possible warning signs of heat stroke or severe dehydration. Faced with these indicators, it is essential to act quickly, to call the doctor or help and refresh the person while waiting for their arrival, while offering them drinking if they are aware.
To remember to pass the heat wave: Stay vigilant, united and inventive to protect your health and sleep
Until at least August 22, the southwest will have to deal with a Intense heat wave and exceptionally high night temperatures. This cocktail makes the vigilance of bet, even for the most robust. Everyone can play a role, for themselves as for others, adapting their gestures, communicating, and monitoring their own fatigue. This heat wave reminds us how mutual aid, preparation and common sense can transform a collective test into a simple unpleasant episode. The weather is the show, but health remains the most precious of goods. What if this heat wave led us, finally, to reinvent our habits for tomorrow?
