As the heatwave grips France, beginning June 29, 2025, two-thirds of the country, encompassing 73 departments, will be placed under an orange alert due to extreme heat forecasts. Météo France predicts temperatures will soar between 34°C and 40°C, particularly in southern regions, with particularly alarming conditions anticipated near the Mediterranean where daytime highs could reach 40°C. Residents in the departments of Bas-Rhin, Savoie, and Landes, among others, are receiving urgent advisories from local authorities to safeguard against the intense heat.
In Bas-Rhin, the prefect activated a monitoring cell and mobilized various institutional partners to protect vulnerable populations. Authorities advised locals to avoid sun exposure and stay hydrated while offering guidance on temperatures reaching very high levels. The prefect also highlighted the need for increased vigilance among elderly and disabled persons, reinforcing the importance of checking in on those who may need assistance during the heat. Additionally, it was recommended to cool down in public spaces like libraries and gyms.
Similarly, the Savoie prefecture has also reported expected highs ranging from 36°C to 38°C over the coming days. The prefect, Vanina Nicoli, urged residents to stay vigilant about their health, especially for at-risk groups. The regional Health Ministry has reinstated its helpline, providing heatwave precaution guidance again as part of a coordinated response to this burgeoning crisis.
The Landes department is set to face similarly grim forecasts, with authorities counseling locals about dangers associated with thermal shock, particularly during water activities, due to drastically different air and water temperatures. Public safety measures are going into effect, including the closure of schools in various municipalities like Tours, Cavaillon, and Le Thor, and offering resources for those without access to cooling facilities.
This heatwave is part of a broader climate trend visible across southern Europe, where similar alerts are evidenced in Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Health experts and local officials are mobilizing resources to mitigate the impact of this climate event by providing air-conditioned public spaces and distributing water in affected regions.
The stakes are high as France faces what is projected to be its 50th heatwave since 1947, a grim milestone that underscores the growing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events attributed to climate change. As temperatures peak, widespread public advisories stress the need for caution, hydration, and awareness of heat-related health risks.