Heatwave in France: alerts expand and no let-up for at least a week
72 departments under orange alert, wildfire danger increases, July 14 celebrations affected
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France’s third heatwave continues to intensify as 72 departments are now placed under orange heatwave alert (high vigilance required - the second highest alert) and extreme temperatures set to spread further north and east.
Météo France forecasts that the “severe and prolonged” heatwave is now likely to continue until at least next weekend, July 18 - 19, extending the period of exceptionally high temperatures much longer than earlier forecasts.
The number of departments under orange heatwave alert has risen from 67 yesterday to 72 today, and Météo France said further departments, particularly in the Grand Est region, could be added over the coming days.
The hottest conditions remain across southern France where overnight temperatures continue to remain exceptionally high in many areas.
Today, temperatures are expected to remain similar to recent days, with highs of 35C to 39C and up to 40C to 41C along the Languedoc-Roussilion coast.
Further north, temperatures are continuing to rise, with highs of between 32C and 36C forecast from the Channel coast across Hauts-de-France and north-eastern France.
Several temperature records have already been set during this heatwave, including 40.5C at Marseille Provence airport – the highest temperature ever recorded there. Other recent highs include 41.4C in Canet-en-Roussillon and 41.0C in Sète.
Hotter conditions expected on Friday
On Friday, temperatures are expected to rise across much of France, with highs of 39C to 40C possible from Poitou-Charentes through Pays de la Loire and Centre-Val de Loire. Paris is forecast to reach around 37C.
The coming days are likely to rank among the hottest ever recorded in France, although they are expected to remain below the record levels set during the June heatwave, according to Meteorologist Yann Amice, reports Actu, with the prolonged heat continuing to increase pressure on firefighters across southern France.
Around 7,800 hectares have burned in France during the first eight days of July, compared with over 4,400 hectares during the whole July of 2025, reports FranceInfo using data from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS).
The high wildfire risk is also affecting the July 14 celebrations, with several communes and departments cancelling fireworks plans for July 13 and 14, with only over the sea displays allowed.
