France is facing one of its most intense June heatwaves on record, with 49 departments on maximum red weather alerts as the heat causes three deaths in Gironde and disrupts infrastructure around the country.
The most severe conditions stretch from the Paris region through central France to the south-west, where temperatures are expected to reach 40C to 42C on Monday.
A further 40 departments are under high (orange) alert, meaning more than 90% of France's population is affected by heat warnings across the country.
Areas around the Mediterranean coast are forecast to remain slightly cooler than the worst-affected regions.
State forecaster Météo-France describes the episode as being of "exceptional intensity", drawing comparisons with the heatwaves of August 2003 and July 2019.
Heatwave deaths
The deaths of three Gironde residents aged between 80 and 95 were confirmed by prefect Sophie Brocas on Sunday evening. All three victims died in their homes in communes on the outskirts of Bordeaux.
Several drowning deaths have also been reported over the weekend as people sought relief from the heat by swimming.
A 16-year-old boy died in the Clain river near Poitiers on Sunday evening, bringing the number of drowning deaths reported over two days to four.
Officials warn that further heat-related deaths may be recorded in the coming days as temperatures continue to rise.
Disruption to transport and schools
The heatwave is also affecting public services, with cancellations announced on 71 SNCF Intercités routes.
In the Paris region, train cancellations are also expected on several RER and Transilien lines, including the RER B, C, D and E, as rail infrastructure comes under strain from the exceptional temperatures.
Similarly, 845 schools and collèges are either closed or operating a minimum service on Monday, mainly in areas under red heatwave alert, Education Minister Edouard Geffray said.
A further 1,800 establishments have adapted their schedules, including releasing pupils early in the afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Parents are advised to check with local authorities and schools for the latest arrangements.
Infrastructure under pressure
The prolonged heat is also beginning to affect infrastructure across France.
In Indre-et-Loire, around 600 households near Descartes were left without electricity for several hours on Sunday after underground power cables overheated.
Network operator Enedis said extreme ground temperatures linked to the heatwave were responsible for the outage.
In Meurthe-et-Moselle, local officials said more than six kilometres of recently resurfaced road had partially melted as road-surface temperatures reached around 60C.
Air pollution measures introduced
Authorities in several regions have introduced temporary measures to limit pollution and fire risks linked to the heatwave.
In Pyrénées-Atlantiques, speed limits have been reduced by 20km/h on motorways, national roads and departmental roads after forecasts warned of a pollution episode caused by stagnant hot air over south-west France.
The prefecture has also suspended exemptions allowing the burning of green waste and postponed certain agricultural and forestry burning operations.
Meanwhile, Météo-France warns of elevated forest-fire risks across several departments, with authorities urging residents to avoid any activity likely to create sparks near dry vegetation.
Heat to intensify
Temperatures are forecast to intensify on Monday, with highs of 40C to 42C expected in departments under red alert.
"The temperature average across mainland France could reach the level of the hottest day ever measured in France, all months combined," Météo-France said.
The forecaster added that the heatwave is expected to "continue, and even worsen" over the coming days, with Monday to Thursday likely to be the most intense phase.
Overnight temperatures are also expected to remain unusually high, limiting opportunities for homes and buildings to cool down.
More than 180 monthly temperature records were equalled or broken on Sunday alone. Temperatures reached 42.2C in Pissos (Landes) and Châteaumeillant (Cher), while several weather stations recorded their highest temperatures ever measured in June.
Health authorities advise people to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours of the day and check regularly on elderly or vulnerable neighbours.
What does a red heatwave alert mean?
A red heatwave alert (vigilance rouge) is the highest level in France's weather warning system and is used for extreme situations that pose a threat to the wider population, not only vulnerable people.
Nearly 35 million people live in departments under the ongoing red heatwave alerts.
Authorities warn that everyone can be affected by extreme heat, including healthy adults.
However, the risks are particularly high for elderly people, those with disabilities, chronic illnesses or mental health conditions, people taking regular medication, outdoor workers and athletes.
Children also require special attention.
During a red alert, people are advised to drink water regularly, continue eating normally and cool themselves frequently using showers, baths, damp cloths or water sprays.
People should avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day and, if they must leave home, wear light clothing and a hat. Physical exercise and strenuous activity should be limited.
Homes should be kept cool by closing shutters, curtains and windows during the day and ventilating rooms overnight when temperatures fall.
Authorities also encourage people to check on elderly, sick or isolated neighbours and relatives and help them access cooler environments where possible.
People experiencing heat-related illness, confusion or unusual behaviour should seek medical advice. Municipal authorities can also provide assistance to vulnerable residents.
Red heatwave alerts are often accompanied by increased wildfire risks, with officials urging people to avoid activities that could cause sparks or start fires.
Elderly, isolated, disabled or otherwise vulnerable residents can sign up to their commune's confidential register of vulnerable people, usually managed by the mairie or local CCAS (Centre Communal d'Action Sociale).
The free service allows local authorities to contact residents during extreme weather events, including heatwaves, to check on their wellbeing and provide assistance if needed.
The register was created after the deadly 2003 heatwave and is a legal requirement for communes.
A free national helpline, Canicule Info Service, is also available from 09:00 to 19:00 on 0800 06 66 66.
