France: Heatwaves force school closures as temperatures hit 35°C in classrooms

France is grappling with intense heatwaves, forcing the closure of more than 1,300 schools as classroom temperatures soar to 35°C. The sweltering conditions are making it difficult for students and teachers to cope, with many remaining schools adapting their operations to safeguard attendees from heatstroke. Air conditioning remains a rarity in many educational facilities, exacerbating the problem.

The heatwave has also disrupted the academic calendar, leading to the postponement of several baccalaureate exams. This disruption highlights the vulnerability of the education system to extreme weather events, raising concerns about student well-being and academic progression. The situation underscores a broader challenge of adapting infrastructure to a changing climate, particularly in public buildings like schools.

As temperatures continue to climb, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of students and staff while minimizing academic disruption. The widespread school closures and exam postponements signal the severity of the heatwave's impact across the country, prompting discussions about long-term solutions for climate resilience in educational settings.

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We feel like we're patching things up every time.