A second heatwave is set to hit France, with temperatures climbing throughout the week before peaking over the weekend, when highs of up to 40C are possible in some areas.
State forecaster Météo-France says the episode follows an unusually early heatwave in May and will intensify progressively across the country in the coming days.
From today, temperatures will climb above 30C across many parts of the country. The hottest conditions will first affect the south and central regions. Only Brittany and parts of the Channel coast will remain relatively cooler, with temperatures closer to 20C to 28C.
On Thursday, the heat will strengthen further. Large parts of France are expected to see widespread highs of 33C to 38C, stretching from the south-west towards the north-east.
This includes Paris and wider Île-de-France, as well as central areas such as Centre-Val de Loire. Night-time temperatures will remain high, with “tropical nights” offering little relief. Isolated but potentially strong thunderstorms could also develop on Thursday across western and northern parts of the country.
Friday is expected to bring little change. Hot weather will remain across most of the country, with temperatures often reaching the mid to high 30s in central and eastern areas. Heat will also intensify further in the north-east, where local peaks of 37 to 38C are possible.
The peak of the heatwave is expected over the weekend. On Saturday, very high temperatures will affect much of France, from the south-west to the north-east, with highs ranging from 34C to 38C. Expect warm nights also.
By Sunday, the hottest air mass is expected to arrive. Temperatures may reach local peaks of up to 40C in parts of Île-de-France, the Rhône Valley, and western France, including Poitou-Charentes.
According to forecasters, next Monday could be even hotter with potential temperatures of 40C degrees in Orléans, 41C in Paris, even up to 42C in Nevers in the Nièvre department and Angoulême in the Charente department.
With such a major spike in heat, next Monday holds out the prospect of being the hottest day ever recorded in France, with temperatures expected to remain high until the end of the month.
The combination of strong daytime heat and warm nights is expected to make conditions particularly difficult in both cities and rural areas.
La vague de chaleur se poursuivra jusqu'au week-end. C'est dimanche que la chaleur sera la plus intense et la plus étendue. Des pointes à 40°C pourront s'observer sur les régions centrales pour ce premier jour de l'#été2026 sur le calendrier. pic.twitter.com/WVHq7EgS2t
In Paris, local authorities are already beginning to adapt to the rising temperatures, including the early opening of supervised swimming at a section of the Canal Saint-Martin as a temporary cooling measure during the hot weather.
The extreme heat could lead to school closures, potentially impacting end of year exams.
Education Minister Édouard Geffray told Franceinfo measures were being considered for schools and high schools, with the possible postponement of oral exams for the baccalauréat for some students, which are due to start next Monday.
Météo-France warns that the heatwave will accelerate soil drying in several regions across south-western, central-western and eastern France, including Aquitaine, Limousin, Alsace and Midi-Pyrénées. Vegetation will continue to dry out, increasing the risk of wildfires.
How to stay safe during extreme temperatures
Santé publique France, the national public health agency, reminds the public that protective measures should be taken before symptoms of heat-related illness appear.
Key recommendations include: drinking water regularly, staying in cool places, avoiding physical exertion, eating enough food, and not consuming alcohol.
People are also advised to keep homes cool by closing shutters during the day, use cooling spaces such as libraries or supermarkets, and to check on vulnerable people.
Children should also avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours (12:00 - 16:00) and older people are encouraged to stay in regular contact with family or neighbours and seek medical attention if needed.
Staying cool in the hot weather can also prove expensive as residents are forced to switch on air conditioning units for prolonged periods. Read our advice on cheaper ways of staying out of the heat, as well as tips on installing air conditioning.
Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in France as a result of climate change. Christelle Robert, a forecaster at Météo France, told FranceInfo on Wednesday that the latest spike in heat is part of a broader trend and that “we should expect to see heatwaves occurring earlier and later in the year, as well as being more intense and longer. These heatwaves will be part of our future climate ," said Ms Robert.
The rise in frequency of these extreme weather events is even pushing some homeowners in southern France to seek a new life in the cooler north of the country.
