France Braces for Severe Heatwave as Temperatures Expected to Exceed 40°C

France is preparing for a new heatwave expected to bring exceptionally high temperatures across much of the country, with forecasts indicating that temperatures could reach 39°C in Paris and exceed 40°C in southern regions.

According to meteorological forecasts, the southern half of France will be the first area affected before the heat gradually spreads northward from the middle of next week. The rise comes after a brief period of cooler weather and is expected to significantly increase heat discomfort across the country.

Temperatures are forecast to surpass 30°C across large areas by the end of the weekend, with regions such as Occitanie, Languedoc, and Provence likely to record highs of 35°C or more. 

These figures are estimated to be between six and ten degrees above seasonal averages, highlighting the intensity of the early summer heat.

Despite the extreme temperatures, French weather authorities have not yet officially classified the event as a heatwave or issued a nationwide heat alert, citing ongoing uncertainty in weather conditions and the need for further monitoring in the coming days.

From Tuesday onward, the hot air mass is expected to strengthen and expand toward northern France, affecting most regions except parts of the far northwest, including Normandy and Hauts-de-France.

Sébastien Léas, a meteorologist with Météo-France, said widespread high temperatures are likely from the middle of the week, adding that conditions could become even more severe by Wednesday, although some uncertainty remains regarding the exact intensity of the heat.

The latest heat event comes less than two weeks after France experienced what meteorologists described as the strongest, longest, and earliest heatwave of the year.

The recurrence of extreme temperatures in such a short period has renewed concerns about the increasing frequency of climate-related weather events as the country enters the summer season.