France Red Heatwave Alert Covers 26 Million as Temperatures Near 40 °C

Météo‑France placed 37 departments under the highest heat‑wave warning, affecting about 26 million people. Temperatures topped 40 °C in parts of the south, prompting early closures of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, and the cancellation of outdoor events. The Tour de France shortened a stage for the first time in its history due to the extreme heat.

The heat has driven a near‑doubling of demand for air‑conditioning units, creating supply bottlenecks for installers and retailers. At the same time, forest fires have burned more than 32 000 ha since the start of the year, with a major blaze in the Fontainebleau forest.

Air‑quality agencies warned of a pollution episode in the Pyrénées‑Orientales, linked to dust from North‑African deserts, and issued health‑advice for vulnerable groups. In parts of southern France, water‑use restrictions were imposed to protect drinking‑water supplies.

Meteorologists expect the worst of the heat to ease by mid‑week, with temperatures dropping to the upper 30s in most areas, though another heat surge is possible later in the summer.