France Hit by Early, Widespread Heat

Overview

• Temperatures spiked on Friday, reaching about 35–36°C in parts of the South-West and around 30–32°C across many other regions including Paris.
• Meteorologists say a 'blocage en oméga' is trapping hot air brought up from the Sahara via the Iberian Peninsula and a nearby upper-level low that acts like a pump for warm air.
• Coastal prefectures in Gironde, Landes and Pyrénées-Atlantiques issued warnings about strong baïnes currents and local authorities have mobilised safety measures for beaches.
• Care homes (EHPADs) and health services have activated hydration, ventilation and cooling plans to protect vulnerable people while Météo‑France has not declared a formal canicule for departments.
• Forecasters project the warm spell to last through the Pentecost weekend into next week but note uncertainty from possible upper-level disturbances and rising risks of pollen, ozone pollution and strain on at-risk populations.