Heatwave: France on the verge of all records with temperatures up to 42°C expected in Paris

The heatwave reached its peak on Thursday, June 25th, with record-breaking temperatures across much of the country. After several days of extreme heat, France is preparing for one of the hottest days ever recorded for the month of June. Authorities remain on high alert in the face of this exceptional situation, which is now affecting almost all regions.

The night from Wednesday to Thursday is expected to be particularly harsh. Temperatures will not fall below 20°C across almost the entire country, with lows reaching 28°C in Paris, Nantes, and La Rochelle, 27°C in Bordeaux, and 25°C in Lyon and Toulouse. According to forecasters, this could be the hottest night ever recorded in France since modern records began. In major cities, the complete lack of nighttime cooling significantly increases health risks, especially for the elderly and vulnerable.

In the afternoon, the heat will become scorching. Temperatures will reach or approach 40°C in many cities, including Rouen, Tours, Nantes, Troyes, and Colmar. In Paris, the thermometer could climb as high as 42°C, just a few tenths of a degree away from the all-time record of 42,6°C set in July 2019. The perceived temperature could even reach 47°C in some areas of the capital due to the combined effect of the heat and humidity.

This situation is accompanied by a very high risk of wildfires across three-quarters of the country. The combination of parched vegetation, extremely dry air, and scorching temperatures creates particularly favorable conditions for wildfires. Authorities are urging the utmost vigilance in natural and agricultural areas.

By the end of the day, a slight deterioration in weather conditions, with thunderstorms possible, could develop over the west of the country. Locally severe thunderstorms are expected between Brittany, Lower Normandy, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine, with a risk of heavy rain, hail, and strong gusts of wind. Other storm cells could also develop over the Alpine mountains, but this historic heatwave is not expected to end.