Intense heat: Over fifty departments issued orange warnings, anticipating 40-degree temperatures in Montpellier
France Endures Severe Heatwave, With Orange and Red Alerts Across the Country
France experienced a severe heatwave in mid-August 2025, with many departments under orange and red heat vigilance. Specifically, 12 departments were placed under red alert, the highest level issued only eight times since 2004, and 41 departments under orange alert.
The southern half of France is in the red zone due to a continuing heat wave. The heat wave began on August 8 in France and reached exceptional levels between Monday and Wednesday from the Southwest to the Centre-Est, where many records were broken. Temperatures frequently reached or exceeded 40°C, particularly in southern France, with peaks around 43°C in areas like Charente and Aude.
This extreme heatwave significantly increased the risk of wildfires, especially in Mediterranean scrub and vineyard regions such as Aude, where a large wildfire covering 160 square kilometers was still smouldering despite containment efforts. The fire risk remained high due to the ongoing heat.
Moreover, the heatwave exacerbated ozone air pollution problems. High temperatures and stable atmospheric conditions favor the buildup of ozone, posing additional health risks and prompting vigilance on air quality.
In Montpellier, the temperature surpassed 40°C, and the Bouches-du-Rhône department is under orange heat wave vigilance until Sunday, with maximum temperatures expected to rise to 39°C inland and 36°C on the coast. The heat wave will continue until the end of the day on Saturday before decreasing from the north and west on Sunday and especially Monday.
To mitigate the impact of the heatwave, authorities have taken several measures. The Vaucluse prefecture has banned access to a dozen mountain massifs on Saturday. Some departments, such as Aude and Hérault, are experiencing an exceptionally intense heat peak, leading to additional departments being placed on fire alert by 6:31 PM.
In addition to the heat alerts, ozone pollution warnings were issued. The heat wave in the Bouches-du-Rhône department is accompanied by ozone air pollution. Authorities used red alerts to enable measures like cancellation of outdoor events and modification of school schedules to protect public health.
Finally, it's worth noting that Cherbourg, unlike other parts of Normandy, is experiencing milder weather with temperatures between 22°C and 24°C. New storms, at the beginning of next week, should lower temperatures and put an end to this long heat wave, according to Météo France.
Sources:
[1] Météo France [2] Le Monde [3] France 24
- The extreme heatwave in France has sparked concerns in the field of environmental science, particularly in relation to climate-change studies.
- In the midst of weather-forecasting efforts, meteorologists have warned that the ongoing heatwave could persist until the weekend, with continuing risks of wildfires, especially in regions like Aude.
- Amidst the heatwave, authorities have advised schools to adjust their schedules and cautioned against outdoor events in areas, such as Bouches-du-Rhône, affected by both high temperatures and ozone air pollution.
