Intense heat affects South-West and Central-East regions, halts SNCF trains, Ina's top executive suspended.
Due to the intense heatwave sweeping across France in August 2025, 12 departments are under the highest red heat alert, while 41 more departments are under orange alerts [2]. The red alert is an extreme measure taken for prolonged and severe heat events that pose major health risks and disrupt daily life [2].
In response, emergency measures have been put in place. Local authorities have the power to cancel outdoor gatherings, shut down public spaces, and modify school and summer camp schedules to reduce heat exposure [2]. Hundreds of firefighters are deployed to manage and monitor wildfires, such as the vast fire in the Aude department that has burned 160 square kilometers [2].
Health services are responding to an increase in emergency room visits for heat-related illnesses, particularly hyperthermia and heat stroke, particularly among younger adults aged 15-44 [4]. Public communications urge people to seek cooler environments and protect themselves from heat exposure, with streets shutting and residents covering windows against sunlight [2].
Meanwhile, in Spain, wildfires are affecting various regions from Andalusia to Castile and León, with one death reported [unverified]. Some of these fires are of criminal origin, according to Spanish authorities [unverified].
In other news, the truce between the United States and China on tariffs, which was scheduled to conclude in May, has been extended by Donald Trump for 90 days. The extension was formalized by an executive order signed by Trump [unverified]. However, there is no information about any cancellations or suspensions related to SNCF, construction sites, gatherings, or municipal services due to the heat wave in France [unverified].
There is also no information about the offer of free swimming pools, air-conditioned rooms, or extended park hours by some municipalities in France due to the heat wave [unverified]. On a different note, the director of the National Audiovisual Institute (INA), Laurent Vallet, has been suspended due to cocaine-related allegations [unverified].
Lastly, SNCF has cancelled around 20 Intercités trips due to the heatwave, affecting lines between Bordeaux and Marseille, Paris and Clermont-Ferrand, and Paris-Limoges-Toulouse. Cancellations are also expected on Thursday and Friday on the Bordeaux-Marseille and Paris-Clermont-Ferrand lines [unverified]. All elements of the agreement remain the same according to Donald Trump's message on his Truth Social network [unverified].
- The extreme heatwave in France has prompted a significant focus on environmental science, particularly climate-change studies, as it serves as a stark reminder of the impact of global warming on local populations.
- The political landscape is actively addressing the consequences of the heatwave, with emergency measures implemented by local authorities to mitigate its effects on public health and daily life.
- Amidst the heat wave, general news also covers other global events, such as the extension of the truce between the United States and China on tariffs, and the suspension of the director of the National Audiovisual Institute due to cocaine-related allegations.
- crime-and-justice issues, such as the reported wildfire-related death and arson in Spain, highlight the dual impact of environmental crises and human actions on regional populations.
