France Faces Peak Heatwave: 24 Departments on Red Alert, Temperatures Nearing 40°C

France is bracing for the peak of its third heatwave this year, with authorities issuing a red alert for extreme heat in 24 departments across the northwestern part of the country on Saturday. Temperatures are forecast to reach up to 40°C in some areas, marking exceptional values for early July.

The intense heat affects a significant portion of the population, with 22.2 million residents under the highest alert level – a threefold increase from Friday. When including the 59 departments on orange alert, the total number of people affected by the high temperatures climbs to over 58.5 million. This prolonged period of extreme heat is attributed to a mass of very hot air stagnating over the country.

The heatwave is projected to persist until at least July 16. Meteorologists anticipate a shift as cooler oceanic air from the Atlantic is expected to arrive around July 17, offering relief from the scorching conditions. In response to the dangerous temperatures, many Bastille Day celebrations, including fireworks displays and traditional firefighter balls in Paris, have been canceled or altered. The extreme weather is impacting public life and prompting widespread public health warnings.