Heatwave Recedes as France Faces Severe Thunderstorm Alerts

The intense heatwave gripping much of France is gradually receding, bringing relief with temperatures dropping to between 18 and 23°C in major cities. As of Thursday afternoon, temperatures are expected to fall by 1 to 3°C compared to the previous day, prompting the lifting of orange heat alerts in many departments. However, the southeast of France continues to endure strong heat with temperatures between 35 and 38°C near the Mediterranean.

Amid this cooling, severe thunderstorms are forecast primarily from Thursday afternoon into Friday. Two key affected zones stretch from Brittany to Franche-Comté and from the Pyrenees to the Massif Central, with storms possibly extending to the Grand Est region. These storms are expected to bring intense rainfall—up to 82 mm recorded in some areas—and violent wind gusts reaching 90 to 116 km/h. Such conditions warrant continued caution due to potential hazards.

In Ille-et-Vilaine, the heat alert was downgraded from orange to yellow on July 15, although thunderstorms with heavy rainfall of 40 to 50 mm are anticipated. Authorities emphasize that heat-related health impacts may persist even after temperatures drop. Public measures include resuming sports activities under precautionary guidelines, maintaining bans on noisy works and fireworks to reduce fire risks amid dry conditions, and lifting some restrictions like public alcohol bans and speed limits.

These developments mark a tapering of the historic heatwave that saw peaks near 40°C in places like Saint-Côme-d'Olt and Bocognano, but vigilance remains essential as the country manages storm threats and residual heat.