France Faces Intense Heatwave with 80 Departments on Orange Alert, Economic Impact Up to €15 Billion

France is currently enduring a significant heatwave, with 80 departments under an orange vigilance alert until Friday, marking the third major heatwave this summer. Temperatures have soared to highs of 40°C in some regions, including an expected 38°C peak in Île-de-France. Early Thursday temperatures already reached 27.5°C in Nice.

This prolonged period of extreme heat, which began on July 28, has led to severe environmental and societal challenges. Water scarcity has intensified, with 50 departments experiencing tensions in accessing potable water, affecting over 40,000 residents. Additionally, 43% of France’s small rivers are facing flow disruptions or have dried up completely.

The heatwave also exacerbates atmospheric pollution, especially ozone levels in the Île-de-France region. Authorities have responded by recommending reduced travel and lower vehicle speeds to mitigate pollution and health risks.

Monique Barbut, Minister of Ecological Transition, highlighted the economic consequences of these recurrent heatwaves, estimating their cumulative cost could reach between 10 and 15 billion euros this summer alone.

These successive waves emphasize the growing frequency and intensity of extreme heat events in France, attributed to climate change. The government’s vigilance and public advisories aim to manage the immediate risks posed by soaring temperatures across most of the nation.

As relief from the heat remains uncertain through Friday, authorities continue to monitor water resources and public health impacts closely, preparing for further possible alerts.