France Prepares for Extreme Heat Wave and Severe Thunderstorms
France faces a major heat wave and severe thunderstorms this week, with temperatures nearing 40°C and alerts in place.
Key Points
- • Temperatures nearing 40°C expected from June 24 to June 25.
- • Orange heat alerts are in effect for Rhône and Isère departments.
- • Severe thunderstorms predicted for Wednesday night, bringing temporary relief from the heat.
- • Heat is expected to return after the thunderstorms over the weekend.
As France braces for a significant heat wave expected from June 24 to June 25, temperatures are projected to soar towards 40°C, primarily impacting the eastern regions where an orange heat alert has been issued for the Rhône and Isère departments. This heat wave follows a brief respite from extreme temperatures which, notably, provided little relief to many locales in the east.
The forecast indicates that the initial surge of heat will commence in the southern regions before migrating northward, affecting a larger part of the country by Wednesday. However, relief is on the horizon as severe thunderstorms are anticipated on Wednesday evening, likely bringing large hail and a temporary reduction in temperatures. These storms will start in the west and progress across the nation, marking a drastic shift in weather conditions.
Despite this potentially severe weather bringing a short-lived cool down, the forecast warns that heat will return by the weekend, indicating a continued trend of extreme weather patterns across France in late June 2025, with concerns over public health and safety during these periods of intense heat and subsequent storms.