France Issues Orange Heat Alert for 36 Million People as Temperatures Near 40 °C

Météo-France placed 53 of France’s 96 mainland departments under an orange heatwave alert beginning at midday on Friday, covering 36 million residents. ” Temperatures are forecast to average 36 °C in north-west France and 38 °C in central and southern France on Friday. After a slight dip on Saturday, readings are expected to reach 40 °C in many regions, including Paris, early next week.

The national heat index could approach all-time highs on Sunday and Monday. ” A 30-year-old man died after cardiac arrest on an athletics track near Paris on Thursday when the temperature reached 37 °C. Rail operator SNCF cancelled 71 intercity trains, and schools rescheduled exams.

EDF stated that four nuclear plants are likely to curb output next week because of high cooling-water temperatures in the Rhône and Garonne rivers. Several municipalities cancelled Sunday’s Fête de la Musique festivities. Spain’s meteorological service Aemet said temperatures will reach 40 °C in the Tagus, Guadiana and Guadalquivir valleys, eastern Cantabria and the Ebro valley.

Readings are forecast to exceed 35 °C across the Iberian Peninsula and Balearics, with night-time lows not falling below 25 °C in many areas. The episode could last until next Wednesday or Thursday. Germany’s DWD issued heat warnings even at altitudes of 600 metres as south-west regions are forecast to reach 36 °C by the weekend.

Authorities declared a hitzefrei day on Friday in parts of the country, shortening school hours.