France Faces Unprecedented Heatwave With Record Alerts and School Closures
France experiences an unprecedented heatwave with 84 departments on orange alert and over 200 school closures.
Key Points
- • 84 departments under orange heatwave alert, a record number.
- • Around 200 schools closed due to extreme heat measures.
- • Temperatures predicted to reach a maximum of 42°C in some areas.
- • Crisis meeting convened to discuss health and safety protocols.
As of June 30, 2025, France is grappling with a severe heatwave, leading to an unprecedented 84 departments placed under an orange alert for extreme heat. This alert, a record number, has caused around 200 schools to close either partially or fully as the National Education Ministry responds to concerns for student safety amid rising temperatures. Education Minister Élisabeth Borne articulated the importance of providing adequate support for families, stating, "We will ensure there is adequate care for families who need it."
The current heatwave is attributed to a heat dome effect—a phenomenon where an anticyclone traps warm air close to the ground. Temperatures are expected to reach between 34°C and 40°C across the country, with some regions like Durban-Corbières already experiencing scorching highs above 41°C. Météo-France forecasts that the peak heat is anticipated on Tuesday and Wednesday, with maximum temperatures possibly hitting 42°C in certain areas and nighttime lows reaching a stifling 29.2°C.
Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau convened a crisis meeting on Sunday to discuss measures to safeguard public health, reiterating that precautions are essential during this extreme weather. He emphasized the need for businesses to adapt work environments to protect employees as the nation braces for two of the hottest days.
Agnès Pannier-Runacher, Minister of Ecological Transition, highlighted the unusually broad geographic extent of this heatwave, reflecting its global patterns and impacts across Europe. As officials continue to provide guidance and support amid these extreme conditions, the government remains focused on ensuring public safety amidst what they label as an unprecedented climate challenge.