FRANCE'S THIRD HEATWAVE DRAGS ON AS MORE THAN 80 DEPARTMENTS FACE ALERTS

France is facing its third heatwave of the year, with more than 80 departments under red or orange alerts as high temperatures continue across much of the country, according to Le Monde. The heatwave began on July 4 and is forecast to last until at least July 16, making it a sustained public-health and infrastructure concern even though officials described it as less intense than the late-June heatwave.

Le Monde reported that temperatures have reached 39°C to 40°C in several areas, while unusually warm nights have reduced relief for residents and increased health risks. Météo-France has attributed the recurring heatwaves to climate change, according to Le Monde, and officials are watching whether a colder air mass expected around July 15 or 16 could bring relief.

Authorities have activated the Orsec Extreme Heat Plan, according to Le Monde. The plan focuses on protecting vulnerable people, including older residents, people with medical conditions and those exposed to prolonged outdoor heat. Le Monde reported that authorities have distributed 7,500 air conditioners to hospitals as part of the response.

The current heatwave follows a late-June event that was linked to more than 2,000 excess deaths, according to Le Monde. Public-health officials have warned that repeated heatwaves can compound risk because bodies, buildings, care systems and infrastructure may have less time to recover between episodes.

The heat is also increasing wildfire risk. Le Monde reported that France has already seen unprecedented early-season wildfire activity, with twice as much land burned as at the same point in 2025. The Drôme and Pyrénées-Orientales regions are among the areas affected, and separate Le Monde reporting said a lightning-sparked wildfire in the Drôme mountains had burned more than 3,500 hectares by July 9.

Firefighting resources remain under pressure. Le Monde reported that 570 firefighters, 120 military personnel and aircraft were deployed in the Drôme region, where villages were evacuated and local communities helped supply aid and water. Officials said the blaze had been worsened by wind, heat and severe drought.

The government has also prepared heat-related measures for Bastille Day celebrations and World Cup events, according to Le Monde. Officials said restrictions, including alcohol bans in red-alert areas, may be used to reduce risk during public gatherings while the heatwave continues.

The heatwave comes as France's High Council on Climate warned that national climate policies need to be scaled up, according to Le Monde. The council said France has reduced emissions by 34% since 1990 but warned that recent reductions have slowed and that adaptation limits are already being reached in areas including agriculture, water supply and labor conditions.

The immediate questions are whether alerts remain in place through mid-July, whether hospitals and local authorities face additional strain, and whether wildfire activity expands under continued heat and drought. Officials are expected to update weather alerts, health guidance and emergency measures as forecasts change.

Fact-check date: 10 July 2026
Article type: News
Sources: Le Monde, Météo-France, Connexion France, NBC News, Al Jazeera