Heatwave Hits 73 French Departments with Extreme Temperatures

France faces a heatwave alert impacting 73 departments with soaring temperatures expected.

Key Points

  • • Heatwave alert for 73 French departments until June 23, 2025.
  • • Temperatures could reach up to 39-40°C in certain regions.
  • • Northern regions will begin to cool down by Monday, while southern areas will remain hot.
  • • A slight cooling is anticipated mid-week, but temperatures may rebound in southern France.

A significant heatwave alert is in effect across 73 departments in France, with high temperatures expected from June 21 to June 23, 2025. The current heatwave, categorized as the first of the season, primarily affects regions in the west and along the Rhône Valley.

Temperatures are forecasted to soar as high as 39-40°C in certain areas, with cities like Paris and Lyon reaching 35°C and 36°C respectively. Rochefort, Cognac, and Poitiers could see highs of 35°C and 33°C. The alert highlights a particularly warm night from Saturday to Sunday, with tropical temperatures between 20°C and 24°C in the Paris basin. Although this heatwave is intense, it is expected to be relatively short-lived; it should diminish by Monday for northern and western departments while still persisting in southern and central-eastern regions.

The severe temperatures, while alarming, are not projected to reach the record highs seen in previous years, with the phenomenon lasting between 2 to 5 days depending on the location. Meteorological forecasts indicate a potential respite the following week as a cooler air mass is predicted to move in, although a rebound in heat may occur in the south of the Loire mid-week.

This summer's heat alert serves as a critical reminder for residents to prepare for the extreme weather conditions ahead, taking precautions to safeguard against heat-related health risks.