France Braces for Severe Heatwave as Temperatures Top 40°C

France is preparing for a new and widespread heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 39°C in Paris and exceed 40°C in parts of the south in the coming days.

According to weather forecasts, the southern half of the country will be hit first before the hot air mass gradually spreads northward from midweek. 

Temperatures are expected to rise above 30°C across much of France, with regions including Occitanie, Languedoc, and Provence likely to see highs of 35°C or more.

Meteorologists say temperatures could run 6°C to 10°C above seasonal averages, highlighting the intensity of the early-summer heat.

While French weather authorities have not yet officially classified the event as a heatwave or issued national heat alerts, forecasters expect conditions to worsen by Wednesday as the hot air expands across most of the country.

The latest heat spell comes less than two weeks after France experienced what was described as its earliest, longest, and most intense heatwave of the year, raising fresh concerns over the growing frequency of extreme weather linked to climate change.