France heatwave eases as severe thunderstorms sweep the nation

After a week of record‑breaking temperatures across much of France, the heatwave began to recede on 15‑16 July 2026. Maximum temperatures fell to 25‑33 °C in most regions, though the south‑east remained above 35 °C. The slowdown was accompanied by a rapid transition to violent thunderstorms. Météo‑France issued orange vigilance for orages in more than a dozen departments (Cher, Isère, Ain, Ille‑et‑Vilaine, Loire‑Atlantique, etc.), warning of rain accumulations of 30‑60 mm in minutes, hail up to 5 cm, and wind gusts of 80‑110 km/h.

The storms caused widespread impacts: over 12 000 lightning strikes were recorded, dozens of trees fell on roads, power lines were downed, and several houses caught fire. Fire services in Maine‑et‑Loire responded to 35 incidents, including a house fire triggered by lightning and a temporary power outage at a cinema. Forest fires in the Fontainebleau area were contained but required continued patrols. The ongoing risks prompted authorities to advise the public to avoid exposed areas, seek shelter in sturdy buildings, and limit travel, especially during the Bastille Day celebrations when a late‑evening weather bulletin was broadcast to guide the millions gathered for fireworks.

Overall, the country moved from orange heat‑wave warnings to orange storm warnings, with 30 departments still under heat‑related alerts and 15 under storm alerts, highlighting the continued volatility of the weather pattern.