"Orange Alert" Level Heatwave Strikes Eastern France: Differences from Japan's Heatwave and Measures to Learn

Table of Contents

1. What is an Orange Alert?

2. Weather Overview of the Current Heatwave

3. Differences in Alert Systems between France and Japan

4. Air Conditioning Penetration and Housing Culture

5. Emergency Measures Taken by Local Governments and Citizens

6. Impact on Industry—Is Wine Production Safe?

7. Japanese Interest and Misunderstandings Spreading on SNS

8. Common "Vulnerable Group" Protection Measures in Both Countries

9. Long-term Adaptation Strategies under Climate Change

10. Conclusion—The Significance of International Comparison in Preparing for the Era of Heatwaves
    
    

1. What is an Orange Alert?

In France, weather alerts are indicated by four colors (green, yellow, orange, red). Orange is the level where "high temperatures persist for three days and nights, posing a health risk to all residents," and it obligates municipalities to open public facilities and conduct patrol visits. The temperature thresholds vary by region, with Lyon's benchmark set at 34°C during the day and 20°C at nightmeteofrance.com.
Japan's "Heat Stroke Alert" is issued when the heat index WBGT exceeds 33, recommending cessation of exercise and refraining from going out, similar in purpose but without penalties or administrative obligationswbgt.env.go.jp.

2. Weather Overview of the Current Heatwave

According to Météo-France, Saturday, June 21, marked the peak with temperatures ranging from 36-38°C in the western to central regions of the country, and 34-37°C recorded in both Isère and Rhône departmentsmartinique.franceantilles.fr. It was an unusually high temperature for late June, following 2019 and 2022, with the agency announcing it as the "50th heatwave"meteofrance.com. A resurgence of the heatwave was predicted in the south at the beginning of the week.

3. Differences in Alert Systems between France and Japan

4. Air Conditioning Penetration Rate and Housing Culture

According to IEA data, the penetration rate of household air conditioners in France was about 5% in 2018 and remains at 14% in 2023france24.com. While stone-built apartment buildings excel in insulation, the delayed heat release at night causes discomfort due to "heat storage." In Japan, over 90% own air conditioners, but the risk of power outages during peak electricity times is a challenge.

5. Emergency Measures Taken by Local Governments and Citizens

• The city of Lyon has opened the city hall and libraries as "cooling centers" 24 hours a day.

• In Grenoble, 20 mobile mist showers have been temporarily installed in the old town.

• Using a senior citizen registry, firefighters conduct phone checks on 4,000 elderly people living alone.

• The national railway company SNCF reduces speed by 30 km/h on some sections during the day to prevent rail expansion.
  
  
  
  

6. Impact on Industry—Is Wine Production Okay?

Due to recent high temperatures and extreme weather, the French wine production volume for 2024 is estimated to be -22% compared to the previous year. The reduction in yield is particularly noticeable in Burgundy and Beaujolais, and the increase in sugar content due to rising temperatures, leading to excessive alcohol content, complicates quality controlconnexionfrance.com.


If high nighttime temperatures during the flowering period continue this year, there is a high possibility that price fluctuations will spread to the premium wine market due to decreased acidity and a shift to early harvesting.

7. Growing Interest and Misunderstandings among Japanese on SNS

On X (formerly Twitter), posts such as "Do French people not even use fans?" and "Will the wine boil down?" have spread. In reality, the penetration rate of fans is high, and there is also a culture of using basements as "night shelters."Wine is most sensitive to heat at the grape stage before fermentation, and it is rare for bottled wine to "cook" after aging.

8. Protection measures for the "vulnerable groups" common to both countries

• Elderly and infants: Frequent monitoring and encouragement of hydration.

• Outdoor workers: Shift work to early morning and nighttime, introduce cooling trailers for breaks.

• Low-income groups: The French government will start subsidizing air conditioner installation with income restrictions in 2024. Japan is also strengthening subsidies for replacing energy-saving appliances for low-income households from the 2023 fiscal year.
  
  
  
  

9. Long-term adaptation strategies under climate change

France:

• The national greening plan "Plan Canopée" aims to increase urban trees by +25% compared to the current level by 2030.

• The MaPrimeRénov' fund for renovating apartment buildings recommends insulation and installation of portable AC units.
  
  
  

Japan:

• Subsidies for rooftop and wall greening based on the Heat Island Countermeasure Act.

• Expansion of the supply-demand adjustment market for power systems and promotion of household battery installation.
  
  
  
  

10. Conclusion—The significance of international comparison in preparing for the era of heatwaves

Regardless of the presence of air conditioning, health damage from heatwaves is amplified by social structures and housing environments. France's orange alert has a track record of reducing damage even in countries with less air conditioning by clarifying the "standards for administrative action."

Japan also urgently needs multilayered measures that combine insulation renovation, urban greening, and community mutual aid, considering the risks of power dependency. By learning from the initiatives of both countries, we can share the "wisdom to survive" in an era where heatwaves become the norm.

Reference Article List

1. Météo-France "Canicule cette semaine : à quoi s’attendre?" (2025-06-22)meteofrance.com

2. France-Antilles "Canicule : deux départements en vigilance orange dimanche et lundi" (2025-06-22)martinique.franceantilles.fr

3. Ministry of the Environment "Overview of Heatstroke Alert"wbgt.env.go.jp

4. Le Monde "Qu’est-ce que la Vigilance canicule?"」（Accessed 2025-06-22）meteofrance.com

5. France 24 "In France, only 14% of homes had AC in 2020" (2023-09-06)france24.com

6. The Connexion "French wine production faces sharp decline" (2024-11-02)connexionfrance.com

Reference Article