France heatwave: 14 departments on red alert as temperatures top 40C

Weather alerts due to the continuing heatwave have been raised across most of France on Tuesday, August 12, with maximum (red) alerts in 14 departments as temperatures again exceed 40C in many areas.

State weather service Météo-France took the precaution of placing much of the south-west and Rhone Valley on red alert amid reports that the heatwave episode will continue until at least the end of the week.

The departments on red alert for August 12 include Gironde, Dordogne, Lot-et-Garonne, Lot, Landes, Gers, Haute-Garonne, Aude, Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne, Rhône, Isère, Drôme and Ardèche.

These latest alerts follow several broken temperature records on Monday, as France experiences another intense heatwave affecting both the mainland and Corsica. 

For the latest weather warnings visit Météo-France's page here.

Extreme temperatures

In the south-west, peaks of 42-43C are forecast in Cahors (Lot) - up to 13C above seasonal norms - while Bordeaux (Gironde) and Agen (Lot-et-Garonne) could reach 42C. 

Albi (Tarn) and Carcassonne (Aude) are also expected to hit 42C despite a risk of localised thunderstorms.

Elsewhere, 41C is forecast in Lyon (Rhône), Villefranche-sur-Saône, Valence (Drôme), Angoulême (Charente), Bourgoin-Jallieu (Isère) and Périgueux (Dordogne). 

Grenoble and Voiron should reach 40C, while Saint-Marcellin and Villefontaine are expected to see 39C.

These figures are between 12C and 14C higher than average for mid-August. 

On the Aquitaine coast, where sea breezes usually moderate summer heat, Météo-France warns that temperatures may still touch 40C in places.

Fire risk warnings

Alongside the heatwave alerts, 29 departments are now under orange alerts for high wildfire risk, compared with 25 on Monday. 

The combination of high temperatures, low humidity and occasional gusty winds increases the risk of outbreaks, particularly along the Mediterranean coast and south-west.

Some relief on Wednesday

Cloud cover should bring some respite to the south-west and Mediterranean coast on August 13. Thunderstorms are possible, however the heatwave is forecast to persist into the weekend and red weather alerts remain in place for the 14 departments on alert today.

Authorities continue to advise caution, urging people to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours, and check on vulnerable individuals. You can find tips for keeping your home cool here.