France Battles Intense Heat Wave and Severe Storms with Transport Challenges

France is currently enduring a severe heat wave with record-breaking temperatures and widespread weather alerts as of June 27, 2026. Since the onset of the heat wave on June 21, the country has set 138 new monthly and 34 absolute temperature records, bringing the total since the start of the event to 385 absolute and 1,170 monthly records. Cities such as Colmar, Saint-Dizier, and Mulhouse experienced highs of 36°C, with heat peaking at 41-42°C in northeastern regions. Nights have remained unusually warm, with temperatures between 22°C and 27°C in urban areas, significantly above the tropical night threshold of 20°C, exacerbating heat-related health risks.

While the northern third of France has seen some relief from the heat due to thunderstorms and cooler northern winds reducing temperatures to 17°C-20°C, the rest of the country remains under strain. Forty departments remain under a red heat alert, with the worst of the heat beginning to ease on the western front. However, the dangers persist as afternoon temperatures continue to reach 37°C-40°C.

Additionally, severe thunderstorms expected from Centre-Val de Loire to the Ardennes have prompted an orange alert, with these storms predicted to gradually ease the heat wave into Sunday.

Transport concerns have arisen alongside the weather crisis, as Jean Castex, CEO of SNCF, voiced worries about large numbers of travelers using trains this weekend, coinciding with the heat wave and storms. Météo-France has maintained red heat warnings for 37 departments, underscoring the ongoing threat to public safety and infrastructure.

This heat wave is compared to the historic August 2003 event in terms of intensity and duration but is anticipated to be slightly less severe overall. Authorities continue monitoring the situation amid efforts to manage the high temperatures, storm risks, and the impact on transport systems and public health.