Weather Alert: Heatwave and Strong Storms in France
Listen to the story
A weather alert has been issued in France for a heatwave combined with strong storms.
The first storms of the week began on Friday, with some areas experiencing very strong conditions.
These storms brought lightning, and a live map has been made available so people can follow the lightning strikes in real time.
Weather experts are also asking whether the storms expected this weekend will be violent, as the heatwave continues across the country.
Hot and unstable weather often creates the right conditions for strong storms, especially after several days of high temperatures.
Local authorities usually recommend that people stay updated on forecasts during a heatwave, since sudden storms can bring heavy rain, strong wind and lightning.
It remains uncertain exactly how strong the weekend storms will be, but the alert suggests that conditions could become severe in some regions.
People in affected areas are advised to follow official forecasts and stay cautious during both the heat and the storms.
Vocabulary6 words
- alert
- an official warning about a danger
- heatwave
- a long period of very hot weather
- real time
- happening now, without delay
- temperatures
- how hot or cold something is
- severe
- very strong or serious
- forecasts
- predictions about future weather
Quiz
Answer key
1. A heatwave and strong storms 2. A live map 3. False
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
A weather _____ has been issued in France for a _____ combined with strong storms.
The first storms of the week began on _____, with some areas experiencing very strong conditions.
These storms brought _____, and a live map has been made available so people can follow the strikes in _____.
Weather experts are also asking whether the storms expected this weekend will be _____.
Hot and unstable weather often creates the right conditions for strong storms, especially after several days of high _____.
Local authorities usually recommend that people stay updated on _____ during a heatwave.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever experienced a heatwave followed by strong storms? What was it like?
- Why do you think hot weather often leads to storms?
- Do you check live weather maps or forecasts? Why or why not?
- What precautions do you think people should take during a heatwave and storms?