France is bracing for another day of intense heat, with a large portion of the country placed on orange alert, marking the eighth consecutive day of the ongoing heatwave. Météo-France predicts temperatures could reach 40°C – “occasionally higher” – in the Southwest, and remain exceptionally high across the Mediterranean arc.

The heatwave is now extending its reach, with Brittany, previously spared, now entering orange alert at noon today. Conversely, the alert is being lifted in parts of northern France, though vigilance remains crucial.

“Our air conditioning is the currents of air!” exclaimed one work inspector during a visit to a construction site battling the extreme heat.

The Île-de-France region was downgraded from orange to green alert early this morning, and this is expected for several other departments later today. However, temperatures are climbing in Finistère, Morbihan, Loire-Atlantique, Maine-et-Loire and several other departments, bringing them under orange alert at noon.

This latest heatwave, expected to last at least until Tuesday, is the 51st since 1947 and is becoming increasingly frequent and intense due to climate change. A staggering 266 weather stations across France recorded temperatures of 40°C or higher between August 9th and 12th inclusive – more than during the entire second half of the 20th century.

Fire Risk Elevated, Measures in Place to Protect Vulnerable

The risk of wildfires is also high due to ongoing drought and winds. From Saturday, a tramontane and mistral wind will affect the Rhône Valley, increasing risk, especially in Aude and Drôme which are expected to be under “very high” fire risk - coded in red.

Authorities are mobilizing to protect vulnerable populations. In Bordeaux, which hit a record 41.6°C on Monday, a municipal registry lists over 3,600 “fragile” individuals, including a quarter of isolated seniors. The city is opening three air-conditioned welcome centers for seniors, and museums and pools will remain open today.

Families are also taking action. “We’re going to take refuge” at friends’ home in Ille-et-Vilaine says one parent, “to avoid three days of suffocating heat.”

The end of the heatwave is expected early next week, with incoming storms set to lower temperatures.

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