France Grapples With Record Heat as European Heatwave Extends

Wed Jun 24 2026 13:33:18 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

France faces another scorching day amid red heat alerts, power outages and wildfires, as the heatwave spreads across Europe.

France is under a red heat alert for the third day, with temperatures soaring above 40°C and a major power outage leaving tens of thousands without electricity in Brittany. A wildfire in Maine‑Loire was contained overnight, but fire risk remains high across Europe. The Louvre and other historic sites have adjusted hours or closed to protect visitors, while authorities warn of increased health risks as heatwaves persist into the weekend.

France Grapples With Record Heat as European Heatwave Extends

A pedestrian uses an electric fan to cool down during high temperatures in Paris, France

France is bracing for another day of exceptionally hot weather, with more than half the country under a red heat alert.

Tens of thousands of homes in Brittany are suffering a major power outage after a transformer failure, leaving the region without electricity until the end of Wednesday. The outage coincides with the hottest June day on record, with an average temperature of 29.8 °C (85.5 °F) across France.

While the heat has intensified heat‑related deaths, early this week the French prime minister reported that forty people have drowned in water‑related incidents. A 13‑year‑old drowned in the River Seine after a family trip at Fontaine‑la‑Port.

The heatwave’s reach is growing across Europe. The Dutch National Meteorological Service (KNMI) has issued a Code Orange warning with 37‑39 °C forecast for the Netherlands and Belgium. Meanwhile, Germany may see temperatures hit 40 °C over the weekend.

The heat has also stretched into eastern Europe, where severe heat warnings have been issued for Poland, Croatia and Hungary later in the week. Italy now sees 16 provincial capitals under red alerts, with additional cities added next days.

Because of the unprecedented heat, the Louvre has moved its closing time earlier, from 6 pm to 4 pm, to reduce visitor risk and protect the historic building’s fragile structure.

Wildfire risk remains high as temperatures climb. In the Maine‑Loire region, a major forest fire in the Breignon forest was brought under control overnight after a deployment of over 150 firefighters.

Heat authorities urge the public to stay hydrated, avoid midday outdoor activities, and keep windows and doors closed to minimise indoor heat buildup. Early morning and late‑evening hours are safer for travel, and the Ministry of Health has issued an alert to residents with heat‑sensitive conditions.

Forty people have drowned in heatwave‑related incidents in France