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France heatwave: 80 departments under orange alert as temperatures exceed 40°C
France is experiencing a severe and prolonged heatwave, with 80 departments placed under an orange alert. Météo-France reported that the current episode reached its peak on Thursday, August 13, 2026, with temperatures frequently exceeding 40°C in several regions.
At 17 days of continuous high temperatures, this heatwave has officially surpassed the duration of the historic 2003 heatwave, ranking as the third longest on record after those in 1983 and 2006. While temperatures are expected to begin a gradual decline in the northwest over the weekend, the heat peak is projected to shift toward the east.
The economic impact is significant; the Minister for Ecological Transition, Monique Barbut, estimated that successive extreme heat events this summer could cost between 10 and 15 billion euros. Beyond the heat, the country faces high fire risks in 50 departments and ongoing concerns regarding water access and drought conditions.
Entities
France · Jean-Pierre Farandou · Monique Barbut · Météo-France
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Successive extreme heat events this summer could cost between 10 and 15 billion euros. www.agri-mutuel.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The heatwave in France reached its peak on Thursday, August 13, 2026. www.agri-mutuel.com · lopinion.com · www.tf1info.fr
- [DISPUTED] 80 French departments are under an orange heatwave alert. www.agri-mutuel.com · lopinion.com · information.tv5monde.com · www.presse-citron.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] The heat peak is expected to shift progressively toward the east. www.agri-mutuel.com · www.tf1info.fr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The current heatwave has lasted 17 days, making it longer than the 2003 heatwave. lopinion.com · information.tv5monde.com · www.dna.fr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Maximum temperatures are expected to exceed 35 degrees Celsius in most regions. www.agri-mutuel.com