Upcoming Heatwave Set to Impact France with Record Highs
A heatwave is set to affect France with temperatures expected to reach up to 39°C starting June 19, 2025.
Key Points
- • Heatwave to hit France starting Thursday with peaks at 39°C.
- • Health warnings issued due to extreme temperatures; helpline available.
- • This will be France's 50th recorded heatwave since 1947, with climate change noted as a factor.
- • Historical data shows increasing frequency of heatwaves, with future forecasts predicting significantly higher temperatures.
A significant heatwave is forecasted to sweep across France, starting this Thursday, June 19, 2025. As warm air from Spain enters the country, temperatures are expected to rise sharply, peaking on Saturday when some regions could see highs soaring to 39°C. Météo-France emphasizes that this event marks the 50th heatwave recorded since 1947, underscoring a concerning trend in rising temperatures due to climate change.
Regions particularly affected will be the western half of the country, with anticipated temperatures ranging from 28°C to 34°C in the north and up to 38°C in the southwest on Friday. Health officials are issuing warnings and recommending precautions as the extreme heat facilitates potential health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. A dedicated helpline, 0 800 06 66 66, has been established for public guidance on managing the heat.
The forecast suggests some relief may be on the horizon by Sunday, as cooler oceanic air moves into southern regions, possibly resulting in thunderstorms. This week’s upcoming weather has prompted reminders of the severe heatwaves in recent years, with June 2019 seeing recorded temperatures exceed 40°C in places, and a less intense heatwave just last August. The article reflects on the increasing frequency of such high-temperature events and warns that the future may bring even more days of extreme heat, forecasting as many as 10 times the current levels by the year 2100.