France Heatwave: 37 Departments on Red Alert as 26 Million Face Extreme Temperatures

More than one-third of France’s population — approximately 26 million people — is under the highest level of heat alert as a severe and unprecedented heatwave continues to intensify across the country. Météo-France has placed 37 departments under red alert (vigilance rouge) as of Sunday, July 12, with the warning extended through Monday, according to RTBF. An additional 46 departments are on orange alert, leaving only about 10 departments in the Southeast and Corsica spared from the highest alert levels.

This marks the third major heatwave to hit France in just two months, following an unusually early episode in late May and another in June — which was recorded as the hottest June ever in Western Europe.

Context: A Summer of Record Heat

The current crisis is the culmination of a summer defined by extreme weather. June 2026 was the hottest June on record for Western Europe, with the June heatwave alone estimated to have caused approximately 5,100 excess deaths in Germany, according to reports cited by RTBF. The repeated heatwaves are “an unequivocal marker of climate change, mainly caused by the burning of coal, oil and gas,” as noted in the RTBF report.

On July 9, France’s Haut Conseil pour le Climat (High Council for Climate) warned that the country’s climate policies remain “insufficient” in both decarbonization and adaptation efforts.

Key Developments

Temperature Records

On Saturday, July 11, temperatures soared to record levels across the country. The mercury reached 40.2°C (104.4°F) at Saint-Laurent-du-Pape in Ardèche, 38.8°C (101.8°F) at Saint-Girons in Ariège, and 38.6°C (101.5°F) at Saintes in Charente-Maritime. In Paris, temperatures approached 37°C (98.6°F). On Sunday, temperatures of 37–41°C (99–106°F) are expected across the red-alert departments, according to TF1 Info.

Wildfire Emergency

More than 25,000 hectares have burned across France since the beginning of 2026 — nearly double the figure for the same period in 2025, according to the French Civil Security service. In the first eight days of July alone, approximately 7,800 hectares burned, compared to just over 4,400 for the entire month of July 2025. A firefighter was killed in Savoie. President Emmanuel Macron warned on X that most fires are “due to human activity,” urging the public against any “carelessness.”

Tour de France Disrupted

Stage 9 of the Tour de France, running from Malemort to Ussel in Corrèze, was shortened by 30 kilometers due to the extreme heat — a first for the race. The CPA (Cyclistes Professionnels Associés), the professional cyclists’ union, issued a statement calling for summer race start times to be changed for the 2027 season. “Faced with the increasing frequency of extreme heatwaves, the CPA reaffirms that the start times of summer races must evolve in order to protect the health of athletes,” the union said.

Landmark Closures and Cancellations

The extreme heat has forced the early closure of several of Paris’s most iconic landmarks. The Eiffel Tower closed early on Saturday and Sunday instead of its usual late-night closing time. The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay also adjusted their hours. Bastille Day celebrations have been significantly affected: the traditional fire station balls (bals des pompiers) scheduled for July 13–14 were cancelled in Paris, along with outdoor sports events. Many cities across France have cancelled their Bastille Day fireworks displays.

Government Response: The Orsec Extreme Heat Plan

On July 10, the French government activated an unprecedented emergency plan called “Plan Orsec Chaleurs Extrêmes” (Orsec Extreme Heat Plan). Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon explained that the plan “did not exist in the past” and is designed to “take into account feedback from recent heatwaves.” The plan includes opening dedicated cooling centers for vulnerable populations — particularly the elderly and homeless — equipped with beds, first aid kits, and separate sanitary facilities. Each prefect is required to maintain an up-to-date registry of vulnerable individuals. Additionally, 30,000 air conditioners have been promised for hospitals, with 6,000 already delivered and installed as of July 10.

Analysis and Implications

The scale of the current crisis raises serious questions about France’s preparedness for a warming climate. The repeated heatwaves are placing immense strain on the healthcare system, with hospitals already under pressure and significant excess mortality expected. The economic impact is also substantial, with disruptions to the Tour de France, early closures of major tourist attractions, and widespread cancellation of Bastille Day events.

Climate experts warn that such extreme events will become more frequent and intense without rapid decarbonization. The Haut Conseil pour le Climat’s warning that France’s policies are “insufficient” highlights the growing gap between adaptation measures and the accelerating pace of climate change.

What to Watch For

The heatwave is expected to persist until at least mid-week, with the red alert maintained through Monday at minimum. Authorities are closely monitoring the wildfire situation, as dry conditions and extreme heat create a high risk of new outbreaks. The effectiveness of the new Orsec extreme heat plan in reducing mortality among vulnerable populations will be closely watched, as will any further disruptions to the Tour de France and Bastille Day celebrations.

As France endures its third heatwave in two months, the question remains: how will the nation adapt to a future where such extreme events are no longer the exception, but the norm?