France's Heatwave Ends, but Is It for Good?
Listen to the story
France's recent heatwave appears to be coming to an end, with no department under an orange alert for extreme heat on Tuesday morning.
An orange alert is issued when temperatures reach dangerous levels, warning residents to take precautions. For the first time in days, this warning has been lifted nationwide.
According to weather reports, temperatures are continuing to fall across most of the country. However, the situation is not uniform everywhere.
In the south-east of France, hot weather is expected to continue for a little longer, while thunderstorms are forecast in the eastern regions.
One weather expert suggested that the country could enjoy roughly ten calm days without extreme heat. This news has brought some relief to many people.
Still, questions remain about whether this cooler period will last or if another heatwave could return later in the season.
Heatwaves can have serious effects on public health, especially for elderly and vulnerable people. They can also damage crops and put pressure on ecosystems.
Authorities continue to monitor meteorological conditions closely, as sudden changes in weather patterns have become more common in recent years.
For now, many in France are simply grateful for a break from the heat, even if it may only be temporary.
Vocabulary10 words
- heatwave
- a long period of very hot weather
- orange alert
- an official warning about dangerous heat
- temperatures
- measurements of heat or cold
- thunderstorms
- storms with rain, wind, and thunder
- ecosystems
- natural systems of plants, animals, and environment
- meteorological
- related to weather
- vulnerable
- easily harmed or at risk
- department
- an area used to divide France, like a region
- forecast
- a prediction about future weather
- nationwide
- across the whole country
Quiz
Answer key
1. No departments were under alert 2. Thunderstorms 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
France's recent _____ appears to be coming to an end, with no department under an _____ for extreme heat on Tuesday morning.
An orange alert is issued when _____ reach dangerous levels.
According to weather reports, _____ are continuing to fall across most of the country.
In the south-east, hot weather is expected to continue, while _____ are forecast in the east.
One weather expert suggested the country could enjoy roughly ten calm days without extreme heat, though it's unclear if this will be _____.
Heatwaves can seriously affect _____ people and damage crops and _____.
Authorities continue to monitor _____ conditions closely.