A heatwave building since Wednesday has intensified across France, with Météo-France placing 26 departments under orange vigilance today.
Conditions are expected to last several days, with a peak anticipated on Sunday and Monday.
Temperatures are forecast to reach around 35C across large parts of the country from Thursday, particularly in the centre, east, and Île-de-France region, and could reach as high as 40C by the end of the weekend.
Authorities have introduced or are proposing a range of measures to combat the rising mercury. They include:
Train cancellations — SNCF is suspending dozens of Intercités services on routes linking major cities between Thursday and Monday
School exam postponements - France's education minister confirmed some oral baccalauréat examinations may be rescheduled if conditions are deemed unsafe
Fête de la Musique — France's national music festival due to take place this Sunday, June 21, could be subject to local restrictions though no national cancellation has been announced. Other local outdoor events are likely to be cancelled.
Drones deployed - municipalities are using drones to monitor waterways for unauthorised swimming as people seek ways to cool off. Paris' Canal Saint-Martin meanwhile has been opened for bathers
Water restrictions - 51 departments across France are subject to prefectural decrees aiming to limit or reduce the use of drinking water
Heatwave hotline - France's ministry of health has activated the country's Heatwave Information Service hotline, with the free service offering advice on how to cope with the heat
Supermarkets allowing pets in stores - Intermarché among stores allowing small dogs inside to prevent them being left in overheated vehicles.
The 26 departments placed under orange alert include Paris and the Île-de-France region, as well as parts of central and eastern France such as the Rhône, Puy-de-Dôme, Côte-d’Or and Jura.
In the south-west, Centre-Val de Loire, and Rhône Valley, highs of 36C to 38C are widely expected later in the week, with locally higher peaks of up to 40C possible on Sunday and Monday.
These air temperature readings are measured in standard meteorological conditions in the shade, meaning that direct sun exposure - especially in urban environments - can feel significantly higher.
Tropical nights and limited cooling
In several regions, particularly urban areas such as Paris, those in the Rhône Valley, and parts of south-western France, minimum temperatures may remain above 20C.
In some locations, overnight temperatures could stay between 22C and 25C.
The current conditions are intensified by the timing of the heatwave, which coincides with the summer solstice. The longest daylight hours of the year reduce nighttime cooling, contributing to what meteorologists describe as particularly difficult nights.
The heatwave is also affecting transport, with SNCF cancelling 71 Intercités services between Thursday and Monday. The operator says this is intended to prevent air-conditioning systems on ageing trains failing during extreme heat conditions.
Several routes linking Paris with Toulouse, Paris and Clermont-Ferrand, as well as services between Bordeaux and Marseille, are affected.
Exams, events and public safety
Education authorities have confirmed that some oral baccalauréat examinations may be postponed locally if conditions are deemed unsafe for candidates or staff, highlighting ongoing concerns about conducting exams during extreme heat.
The upcoming Fête de la Musique on June 21 is also under scrutiny. While no national cancellation has been announced, local authorities may adjust or cancel events depending on conditions and alert levels. Some municipalities have already cancelled or modified outdoor events.
Prefects can restrict or prohibit gatherings in the event of worsening conditions, particularly if orange or red vigilance levels are reached locally.
A high risk of forest fires is also expected in several regions. Deux-Sèvres, Haute-Garonne, and Vaucluse are considered particularly at risk on Thursday, with Météo-France warning that current weather conditions significantly increase the risk of an outbreak.
Swimming restrictions and safety measures
Authorities continue to warn against unauthorised swimming in rivers, lakes and canals during the heatwave due to increased risk of drowning.
In some areas, local operators and municipalities have deployed drones to monitor waterways and swimming zones where bathing is prohibited, helping to detect unsafe activity.
In Paris, part of the Canal Saint-Martin has been opened as a supervised swimming area, with clearly marked boundaries and capacity limits, as part of efforts to provide safe cooling options during the heatwave.
Heatwave hotline activated
France's ministry of health meanwhile has activated the country's Heatwave Information Service hotline (Canicule Info Service).
In a press release the health ministry said the hotline could be accessed from noon on Thursday, June 18, at 0800 06 66 66 from 9:00 to 19:00 each day until the extreme weather ends.
Calling the service is free from mainland France, with the hotline providing residents with advice on how to protect themselves and their families, in particular vulnerable relatives, from the heat.
Water restrictions throughout France
Since Wednesday, June 17, a total of 51 departments across France have been subject to prefectural decrees aiming to limit or reduce the use of drinking water, as the extreme weather puts increasing pressure on water resources.
In total 335 zones are now affected, with most water restrictions concentrated in north central France including parts of Loiret, Cher and Indre. Parts of Pyrénées-Orientales have also been placed on high alert.
Prefectures have published updates on their official websites and social media channels, urging residents to reduce water consumption and comply with increasingly strict usage limits as groundwater levels and river flows continue to decline. Read the full story here.
Adaptations in daily life
Businesses are also adapting. In Mirecourt in the Vosges region, an Intermarché hypermarket has allowed small dogs to enter the store during heatwaves to prevent them being left in overheated vehicles.
The decision follows repeated incidents of finding pets being left in cars during high temperatures.
Health risks and medication warnings
Health authorities, including the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM), warn that certain medications can increase vulnerability during heatwaves.
These include drugs that may worsen dehydration, affect kidney function, increase body temperature, or cause drowsiness. Categories include diuretics, laxatives, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and some treatments for chronic conditions.
The agency also warns that paracetamol is ineffective in cases of heatstroke, and that aspirin or other NSAIDs may interfere with the body’s temperature regulation. Self-medication in suspected heatstroke cases is discouraged.
Some medications can also cause photosensitivity reactions, particularly treatments for acne, infections, inflammation, allergies and high cholesterol.
Patients are advised not to stop prescribed treatments without medical advice, but to consult a doctor or pharmacist if needed. Medicines requiring refrigeration, such as insulin and certain vaccines, must be stored carefully during high temperatures.
Heatwave safety advice
Authorities recommend drinking water regularly, even before feeling thirsty, avoiding physical exertion during the hottest hours of the day, and keeping homes cool by closing shutters and curtains during the day while ventilating at night where possible.
Particular care is advised for older people, young children, those with chronic illnesses, and people living alone. Outdoor workers and athletes are also at higher risk of dehydration and heatstroke.
Symptoms of heatstroke include very high body temperature, confusion, nausea, headaches, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness. Emergency medical assistance should be sought immediately if serious symptoms appear.
