France Issues Red Alert as Paris Braces for Extreme Heat

Paris is bracing for a scorching weekend as the highest weather alert, a red alert, takes effect on July 11. Temperatures in the French capital are forecast to soar above 35 degrees Celsius, with a quarter of the country also under the extreme heat warning.

The Louvre Museum will reduce its operating hours from Friday to Monday, closing at 4 p.m. due to the intense heat. Meanwhile, the government is deliberating whether to proceed with fireworks displays planned for the national holiday on July 14, given the dangerous conditions.

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The Louvre Museum will be open until 4 p.m. from Friday to Monday inclusive.

In the 24 departments under the red alert, high temperatures are expected day and night, with daytime highs exceeding 30 degrees Celsius and nighttime lows staying above 20 degrees. This alert affects nearly 22 million residents. The Paris region is experiencing its second red alert this year, a situation described as unprecedented. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has called an emergency government meeting to address the crisis.

Additionally, 63 departments are under a lower-level orange alert due to the risk of forest fires. The government plans to implement the ORSEC crisis response plan in areas under the red alert, mobilizing emergency services.

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The government may cancel fireworks planned for July 14 national holiday.