Heatwave grips France: Orange alerts issued as wildfires rage

France is anticipating a severe heatwave, with temperatures projected to soar as high as 42°C (107.6°F) in the southwest between Bordeaux and Toulouse. Many other major cities are expected to experience temperatures exceeding 35°C (95°F).

The intense heat is driven by a powerful southerly flow bringing very hot air from the Iberian Peninsula. Temperatures are forecast to be exceptionally high in the morning and become oppressive by the afternoon, with values 10 to 15 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages. The departments of Gironde and Landes, already grappling with wildfires, are particularly affected and are under an orange heat alert.

While coastal regions, particularly along the Gulf of Lion and the English Channel, will experience cooler temperatures due to southerly winds and sea breezes, the interior faces extreme conditions. The combination of high temperatures, prolonged drought, and dry vegetation creates a heightened risk of fires, especially in the southwestern forests.

Authorities are urging caution in forest areas and their surroundings. Following the peak heat, temperatures are expected to remain high in the eastern parts of the country, with a slight decrease anticipated in the west. However, significant heat is likely to persist across a large portion of eastern France.

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Temperatures could locally reach 40 to 42°C.