Heatwave: the west begins to breathe easier, eastern France reaches its peak of heat

The heatwave remains exceptional this Friday, with increasingly unbearable temperatures across much of the country. After several consecutive tropical nights, buildings no longer have time to cool down, exacerbating the effects of this heatwave, particularly in large urban areas. While a slight respite is beginning along the Atlantic coast, eastern France is now experiencing the highest temperatures of this episode.

Exceptionally warm nights are now a major risk factor. In many cities, temperatures remain very high until the early hours, preventing homes and urban infrastructure from dissipating the accumulated heat. This succession of sweltering days and stifling nights increases fatigue and raises the risks for the elderly, children, and the most vulnerable.

The heatwave is now concentrated in the northeast and east-central parts of the country. In the afternoon, temperatures frequently reach 40 to 41°C, particularly around Strasbourg where a new all-time heat record could be broken. More broadly, the whole of eastern France is experiencing temperatures well above seasonal averages.

In the west, the first signs of oceanic influence are beginning to be felt. From the English Channel coast to the Atlantic coast, temperatures are starting to gradually decrease, offering initial relief after several days of extreme heat. In the evening, locally strong thunderstorms may develop from the southwest to Normandy, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and frequent lightning. These will mark the beginning of a change in air mass, although the heatwave will remain very much present in the eastern regions.