Heatwave intensifies in France, red alert extended to 24 departments including Paris region

France is bracing for an intensifying heatwave, with La Chaîne Météo issuing red alerts for several departments in the center-west and the Paris region. Morning temperatures are already high, ranging from 22 to 25°C, and maximums are forecast to reach 36 to 40°C, with potential peaks of 41-42°C. This heat episode, the third in less than two months, is expected to persist until at least Tuesday, July 14.

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Red alert heatwave in the Center-West and Paris region.

The red alert for Languedoc Roussillon has been lifted due to the return of sea winds, which have significantly lowered temperatures there. However, the heatwave will reach its peak between Sunday and Monday, with a probable extension of orange and red alerts. Relief is not expected until July 16-17, when oceanic air from the Atlantic should finally break the heat.

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This third heatwave in less than two months should continue until at least July 14.

This severe heatwave is compounding existing drought conditions, fueling a high risk of forest fires. Météo-France described the fire situation on Thursday as "unprecedented," with 59 departments facing "high to very high" risk. The average temperature across mainland France on Thursday was 27°C, a figure expected to rise in the coming days, potentially nearing the historic record of 30°C set in late June.

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The Pays de la Loire and four neighboring departments, home to 6.7 million people, will move to red alert from Friday noon, and 76 departments to orange (compared to 72 on Thursday).

Notable temperature highs were recorded, including 41.2°C in Narbonne and remarkable figures in Brittany, such as 36.8°C in Vannes. Only Corsica, the French Riviera, the north, and some mountainous departments are expected to be spared from the extreme temperatures. The situation highlights the vulnerability of the country to prolonged periods of intense heat and the associated risks of wildfires.

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On Thursday, the average temperature calculated by Météo-France in the Hexagon was 27°C. It should increase in the coming days and approach the historical record of 30°C recorded on June 24 and 25, at the peak of the second heatwave.