Southern France confronts fresh heatwave conditions
The Mediterranean region of Southern France is currently under a high fire danger warning, with temperatures expected to exceed 40°C on Sunday. This intense heatwave, which began on August 8, 2025, is forecast to last until at least August 19 or 20, with temperatures possibly rising further.
The heatwave is part of a larger "Heat Dome" affecting much of Europe, causing temperatures to be about 10–15°C above normal for mid-August. The southern and southwestern parts of France will continue to experience temperatures in the low 40s °C, with the highest heat alerts persisting. In Bordeaux, temperatures reached a record-breaking 41.6°C, while Toulouse, Carcassonne, Bergerac, Cognac, and Saint Girons matched or exceeded this temperature.
The escalating fire danger in Southern France is a significant concern. Authorities have placed 12 departments under the highest red alert for heat, with more being added. The extreme heat, combined with ongoing drought conditions, has heightened the risk of wildfires significantly. Firefighters are on high alert, and some evacuations have already begun in vulnerable areas, especially near the Mediterranean coast and inland southern towns.
The prolonged and intense heatwave is worsening existing drought conditions, stressing plant life and increasing wildfire risks. The region is experiencing a significant drought exacerbated by the heatwave, threatening agricultural productivity and natural ecosystems. This combination of heat and drought conditions creates a precarious situation for vegetation, increasing vulnerability to fires and damage.
The heatwave has already caused devastation, with a fire destroying 17,000 hectares of vegetation and claiming one life. This is the 51st heat wave recorded in France since 1947, and scientists attribute extreme weather events, including heat waves and storms, to human-induced climate change.
The situation remains critical and demands sustained vigilance and preventive measures from authorities and the public. The heatwave is not limited to the south of France; it is expected to affect much of the country. The weather service Météo-France is closely monitoring the situation, and the new heat wave is affecting dozens of departments in the south of France.
As the peak of the heat wave approaches early next week, it is crucial for everyone to take necessary precautions to stay safe and minimise the impact on the environment.
- The Commission has also been consulted on the following issues: the escalating fire danger in Southern France, the role of environmental-science, including climate-change and weather, in exacerbating the heatwave, and the necessary preventive measures to minimize the impact on the environment, agriculture, and natural ecosystems.
- In light of the ongoing heatwave and its potential consequences, the Commission is further considering strategies to mitigate the effects of climate-change on critical sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and public health, as well as the long-term impact on the Mediterranean region's weather patterns and environmental-science.
