Unusually High Temperatures Persist in France: Severe Heat Wave Likely to Prolong for Further Days
In the scorching heat of 2025, France has taken significant steps to safeguard vulnerable populations during the country's record-breaking heatwaves.
To signal the severity of the heat, Météo-France places departments under color-coded heat alerts. These alerts range from yellow to red, with red alerts allowing local authorities to take strong actions to protect the public. Such actions may include cancelling outdoor gatherings, closing public spaces, and adjusting school or summer camp schedules.
During the June–July heatwave, over 2,200 schools were closed to protect children from exposure to dangerous temperatures. As the heatwave continues, emergency services are treating hundreds of people for heat-related illnesses, with authorities monitoring fatalities, particularly among the elderly and tourists.
Firefighters have actively monitored and contained large wildfires fueled by the heat, particularly in southern regions like Aude. Residents have been encouraged to take protective measures, such as staying indoors, covering windows to reflect sunlight, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat.
The efforts aim to reduce health risks for vulnerable groups, including children, elderly people, tourists, and outdoor workers. Calls are flooding into community centres in communes across the country to ensure no elderly and vulnerable people are left behind.
The heatwave is expected to continue at least until the beginning of next week, with temperatures reaching record highs. On August 12, 2020, the temperature in Montélimar (Drôme) reached 40.2 degrees, while Toulouse (Haute-Garonne) recorded a staggering 40.5 degrees.
Two tourists staying at a campsite shared their discomfort due to the heat, with one stating it was "horrible" and they couldn't sleep due to the heat. The tourists' Spanish neighbours were also suffering from the heat. Residents near Grenoble (Isère) have taken refuge around a waterfall due to the heat, with one woman commenting that they come to the waterfall for coolness because it's 28 degrees at home and they would go stir-crazy staying there.
Jacqueline Dupiol, deputy mayor of Langon (Gironde), expressed concern about the safety of elderly and vulnerable individuals. In some areas, the heat alert is at its maximum, with the temperature in Carcassonne (Aude) reaching 42.4 degrees on August 12, 2020. Another tourist complained about being too hot and thirsty during the night, while the temperature in their camper van reached 29 degrees by 10 am.
Despite the challenges, France's concerted efforts demonstrate a commitment to protecting its most vulnerable citizens during extreme heatwaves.
