France Faces 40°C Heatwave as 29 Departments Issued Orange Alerts

France’s national weather service, Météo-France, has warned that temperatures could reach 40°C in the Centre-Val de Loire, Grand Est, and Île-de-France regions, with 29 departments placed under orange heatwave alerts through Monday, according to a statement released Friday. The alert system, which uses color codes to signal severity, indicates a high risk of health impacts, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Heatwave Reaches 40°C in Key Regions

The latest forecast from Météo-France shows temperatures climbing to 40°C in central and eastern France, including areas like Orléans, Troyes, and the Paris basin. This follows a prolonged period of above-average temperatures, with the current wave marking one of the most intense in recent years. The meteorological agency emphasized that such extremes are becoming more frequent due to climate change, citing data from its 2023 climate report.

Orange Alerts Issued for 29 Departments

Twenty-nine departments, including Eure-et-Loir, Aube, and Seine-Saint-Denis, are under orange alerts, the second-highest level in France’s three-tier system. The alerts, which began on Friday, advise residents to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and check on elderly neighbors. Health officials have also warned of increased risks of heatstroke and dehydration, particularly for those with preexisting conditions.

Public Health Advisories and Precautions

The French Ministry of Health has issued guidelines to mitigate the heat’s effects, including staying indoors during peak hours and using air conditioning or fans. Hospitals in affected regions have reported a 15% rise in emergency visits compared to the same period last year, according to a recent internal report. Local authorities are also opening cooling centers in major cities like Lyon and Marseille.

Comparisons to Past Heatwaves

This heatwave is the third consecutive major event in 2023, following similar alerts in June and July. While temperatures have not yet surpassed the 42.6°C recorded in 2022, the duration and geographic spread of the current event have raised concerns. Climate scientists note that such patterns align with projections of more frequent and severe heatwaves under global warming scenarios, as outlined in the 2023 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report.

What’s Next for the Heatwave?

Météo-France predicts the heat will gradually subside by midweek, with temperatures dropping to 32–35°C by Friday. However, the agency has warned that the region could face another surge in late August, citing ongoing atmospheric conditions. For now, officials are urging vigilance, with the orange alert expected to remain in place through Monday.

Météo-France Heatwave Advisory | French Ministry of Health Guidelines