France Issues Expanded Heat Alert as Temperatures Surpass 40°C

France is witnessing another heatwave, prompting authorities to issue an orange-level heat alert across 11 southern departments. 

The number expected to rise to 17 by Saturday as temperatures continue to climb.

According to Le Monde, weekend forecasts suggest highs ranging between 34°C and 40°C in southern regions, with some areas potentially reaching 41°C. 

The heatwave is set to peak between Monday and Tuesday, with sweltering conditions likely to persist into the second half of next week.

As of Friday afternoon, the orange alert covers departments including Rhône, Loire, Isère, Drôme, Ardèche, Hautes-Pyrénées, Haute-Garonne, Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne, Aveyron, and Lot. 

On Saturday, Dordogne, Aude, Puy-de-Dôme, Ain, Savoie, and Haute-Savoie will also be added, with the possibility of further expansions in the coming days.

This marks the 51st officially recorded heatwave in France since 1947, coming on the heels of another that spanned from June 19 to July 4, highlighting the growing frequency of extreme weather events linked to climate change.

Météo-France has warned of an elevated risk of wildfires, particularly in the Mediterranean basin, after a devastating blaze in Aude this week destroyed over 17,000 hectares and claimed one life. Ongoing drought, worsened by minimal rainfall, continues to threaten agriculture and water resources across the southwest.

The French railway company SNCF announced the cancellation of three round-trip services on the Bordeaux–Marseille line through Monday, citing concerns over potential air-conditioning failures in older train models.

French authorities have called on the public to avoid going outdoors during peak heat hours, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable populations, including the elderly and young children. 

Citizens are also being urged to reduce electricity consumption to ease pressure on the national power grid.