More than half of France under red alerts as heatwave intensifies

Forty‑nine of France’s 96 regions are under a red heat alert, as the country braces for sweltering temperatures due to an intensifying heatwave.

Hospitals have prepared for heat‑related cases, and the Ministry of Education has shut 845 schools for the day, while 1,800 schools allow students to finish early.

Highs exceeding 40°C (104°F) are forecast across western France on Monday, with Bordeaux expected to hit 43°C (109°F). Most of the country will see temperatures between 36°C and 40°C (97°F‑104°F).

Dozens of regions are also under an orange alert, affecting an estimated 63 million people nationwide.

The severe conditions followed a weekend where temperatures reached 40°C, prompting an alcohol ban at the annual Fête de la Musique festival.

In the south‑west Gironde region, local authorities reported the deaths of three elderly residents—aged 80‑95—partly due to the intense heat.

Health Minister Stéphanie Rist urged residents to keep a close eye on relatives and neighbours, warning that many will suffer in the hot weather.

The national railway operator SNCF has advised vulnerable passengers to avoid or postpone train travel, and several Parisian lines reduced services on Monday.

Belgium’s train operator also cancelled some peak‑hour services on Monday and Tuesday.

Record high temperatures are also expected across Europe: Madrid could reach 39°C, and Rome could hit 37°C.

For more on the heatwave, see: Half of France under red heat alert as alcohol banned at street music festival and Record-breaking heatwave develops across Europe.