France Endures Hottest Day Since Records Began

France experienced its most scorching day on record Tuesday, shattering the previous highest national average temperature since measurements began in 1947. Météo France reported a provisional average of 29.8°C across the country by 5 PM local time, surpassing the prior records of 29.4°C set on July 25, 2019, and August 5, 2003.

The heatwave intensified across the nation, with absolute temperature records falling in numerous western cities. Cazaux in Gironde registered a searing 43.3°C, while Niort in Deux-Sèvres reached 42.2°C, Bordeaux (Gironde) hit 42.1°C, and Rennes in Ille-et-Vilaine recorded 41.3°C.

Adding to the severity, France also endured its hottest night on record. The average minimum temperature during the early hours of Tuesday was 21.6°C, exceeding the previous nocturnal record of 21.4°C from July 25, 2019. This oppressive heat is expected to persist, with minimal temperatures potentially reaching unprecedented levels again on Wednesday morning.

Looking ahead, Météo-France has placed 58 departments under a red alert for the heatwave starting Wednesday afternoon, an increase from Tuesday's alerts. An additional 31 departments remain on orange alert. Forecasters predict Thursday will be similarly sweltering, with temperatures remaining exceptionally high. A gradual cooling is anticipated to begin along the Atlantic coast by Friday.