France records hottest day ever amid deadly heatwave

France endured its hottest day on record Wednesday, as temperatures soared past the previous day's historic high. The national thermal indicator, averaging day and night temperatures across 30 reference stations, hit 30°C, according to Météo-France. This surpassed Tuesday's record of 29.9°C, which itself had broken previous highs from 2019 and 2003.

Across vast swathes of the country, maximum temperatures exceeded 40°C. The southwest region saw particularly extreme readings, with 43.6°C recorded in Cazaux (Gironde) and 42.5°C in Bordeaux. Even Paris experienced a scorching 40.3°C. The heatwave has been characterized by persistent extreme temperatures, both day and night, with some areas not dropping below 25°C overnight, exacerbating health impacts.

The intense heat has had severe consequences. Since June 18, when the current heatwave began, 48 people have drowned, a figure higher than in previous years and disproportionately affecting young people, according to Julien Marion, director general of Civil Security and Crisis Management. A veterinarian also warned of increased pet mortality, stating, "The animals are roasting on the asphalt."

Authorities are also raising alarms about the heightened risk of forest fires due to extreme vegetation dryness, low humidity, and sustained high temperatures. Météo-France forecasts the heatwave will continue, gradually shifting eastward, with a risk of thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail in some western areas.