Météo-France has issued an orange heatwave alert for 17 departments across France, effective Thursday, following a surge in temperatures that reached 38 to 39 degrees Celsius in 13 departments on Wednesday. The alert, announced at 4 p.m. On Wednesday, marks the second-highest level of meteorological risk, signaling a significant threat to public health and infrastructure. The affected regions include areas in the south and southeast of the country, where heatwaves have become increasingly frequent in recent years due to climate change.
The agency’s warning highlights the potential for prolonged high temperatures, with forecasts indicating that conditions will remain hazardous through Thursday. Health authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and those with preexisting medical conditions. Emergency services in several departments have reported a rise in heat-related illnesses, though no fatalities have been officially confirmed as of Wednesday evening.
Among the departments under orange alert, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Occitanie are expected to face the most severe conditions, with temperatures projected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in some areas. The alert system, managed by Météo-France, categorizes heatwaves into three levels—green, orange, and red—based on the likelihood of health risks and societal impacts. The orange designation triggers coordinated responses from local governments, including the activation of cooling centers and increased monitoring of public spaces.
Climate scientists have linked the intensifying heatwaves to long-term temperature trends, noting that France has experienced a 1.5-degree Celsius rise in average temperatures since the 1980s. This year’s early and persistent heat has raised concerns about water shortages and agricultural losses, particularly in regions reliant on irrigation. The French government has not yet announced specific measures beyond public health advisories, though the Ministry of Ecology has emphasized the need for adaptive policies to mitigate future risks.
The alert comes as Europe grapples with a broader heatwave affecting multiple countries, including Spain, Italy, and Germany. While no direct coordination between national meteorological agencies has been disclosed, the shared challenges underscore the growing urgency of climate resilience strategies. Météo-France has scheduled a review of the alert on Thursday afternoon to assess whether conditions warrant an upgrade to red, the highest level of severity.
