France's Record Heat Begins to Ease as Storms Move In

Overview

• France recorded its two hottest days on June 24–25 and the exceptional heat is now retreating from the Atlantic coast while the east and Mediterranean remain warm.
• The number of departments under red heat warning has fallen from a peak of 72 to 61 and is expected to be 50 on Saturday, June 27, triggering continued public‑health and civil precautions.
• Cooling will be uneven regionally with western coastal areas dropping below 30°C first, Île‑de‑France likely to cool after Saturday night storms, eastern France easing early next week, and the Mediterranean coast staying hottest until around July 1.
• Météo‑France warns the end of the heat will bring intense storms this weekend with gusts of 70–80 km/h and possible hail, creating a hazard for holiday travel and outdoor activity.
• A government minister said a return of extreme heat could be likely in the week after July 5 but Météo‑France and other forecasters stress limited skill beyond one week and one service currently puts the 15‑day chance of another full heatwave at about 5%.