"Canicule" is currently the most used word by the media and people in France. It refers to the heatwave dominating the country until the end of the week. Weather forecaster Météo France said cities are witnessing spiking temperatures that may surpass those recorded in 2003. Pascal Scaviner, head of the forecast service at the Weather Channel, said temperatures in some regions may hit 45 degrees, considered an unprecedented record at this time of year. Unlike the usual hot and dry weather in France, the current heatwave is expected to be accompanied with humidity. Since the wave that struck France in 2003 and claimed the lives of 15,000 people, most of them elderly, the "canicule" has become synonymous to earthquakes, floods and natural disasters. Experts believe that by 2050, high temperatures will become a constant factor during the summer due to climate change. Health Minister Agnès Buzyn has announced a comprehensive plan to deal with the wave. Emergency departments in hospitals have dedicated all of their efforts to help the elderly and infants, and those in need of medical assistance. On its website, the ministry posted a list of recommendations and advice aimed at reducing the number of "canicule victims" as much as possible. The northern region of the continent is also witnessing an exceptional period of hot temperatures, higher than southern regions of Spain, Italy and Portugal. The heatwave is expected to subside in the southern and eastern regions of France by the beginning of next week, while the Brittany province on the Atlantic Ocean, west of the country, will maintain lower degrees. In Paris, where temperatures are expected to reach 39 Celsius, "official and popular" preparations are being taken to confront the heat. People have been urged to store water bottles, drink plenty of fluids and wear hats and sunglasses, as well as keep their body hydrated throughout the day. It is common for passengers in subways and public transport buses to carry compressed water sprayers in their bags to wet their faces and necks while on the go. Since most of residential units in the country are not equipped to face this kind of hot weather, people have flocked to fountains and the banks of the Seine River to cool off. Families also went to forests, such as Bologne, Vincent and Fontainebleau. Cafe owners have also placed water sprayers on their balconies to lure customers.