France Faces Returning Heatwave with Warnings Across 16 Departments
A significant heatwave is predicted to affect France, with many departments under alert due to rising temperatures.
Key Points
- • Temperatures may reach up to 38°C in the south of France.
- • 16 departments under yellow vigilance starting August 7, with up to 40 departments affected soon after.
- • The heat is caused by warm air from Spain, especially impacting the southwest and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions.
- • Long-lasting heat for at least ten days, raising health risks.
Météo France has issued a warning for a significant heatwave returning to the country, with temperatures expected to soar up to 38°C in the southern regions. Starting on August 7, 2025, 16 departments have been placed under yellow vigilance, while forecasts suggest that nearly forty departments, including five under orange vigilance, will experience extreme heat on August 8.
The heatwave is attributed to a mass of warm air migrating from Spain, affecting primarily the southwestern quarter and parts of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. Temperatures are predicted to exceed 30°C to 35°C in many areas, with particularly high peaks in the south. Meteorologist Guillaume Séchet has warned that this heatwave could last for at least ten days, raising concerns about public health issues, including a risk of increased mortality rates and potential stress on hospital systems.