Almost two-thirds of France are currently placed under an orange heatwave warning as the nation grapples with extreme heat.

This week, a heatwave moving across France might generate conditions similar to those of August 2003, when excessive heat caused over 14,800 fatalities.

ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT

This year, local authorities in cities like Biarritz and Limoges are urging the registration of vulnerable individuals on official lists, allowing continuous support and verification that they have sufficient resources to handle the rising temperatures.

The hot weather is expected to persist over mainland France during the weekend. On Saturday, temperatures will exceed 30°C nationwide, with some regions potentially surpassing 40°C on Sunday and extending into the following week.

Sixty departments remain on orange heatwave alert, affecting 41 million residents.

In Paris, parks have been made accessible around the clock, while Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire has expressed concerns about proceeding with the Fête de la Musique festival scheduled for Sunday.

“The mix of alcohol consumption, heat, and proximity to water creates three risk factors that do not combine well. Hence, we aim to eliminate at least one of these elements, though the method is yet to be decided,” he stated on Friday evening.

Paris police prefect Patrice Faure has asked to cancel 11 outdoor sporting events planned for the weekend. Meanwhile, across the nation, schools and construction sites are modifying schedules or temporarily shutting down operations.