Heatwave Expands in France as 53 Departments Placed on High Alert

Overview

• Météo‑France began orange heat alerts on Thursday and said 53 departments would be under orange vigilance from Friday midday as the episode spreads.
• Forecasts show a peak between Sunday and Monday with local highs near 40°C and persistent 'nuits tropicales' that reduce overnight recovery and raise health risks.
• Education authorities have allowed local postponements of baccalauréat orals, some academies have shifted grand‑oral dates and multiple schools have adjusted timetables to avoid hot afternoons.
• Transport and energy operators have taken measures: SNCF cancelled 71 Intercités services to limit air‑conditioning failures and EDF said it may reduce output at Bugey and Saint‑Alban to protect the Rhône's temperature.
• At least one death in Val‑d’Oise has been linked to the heat and public‑health agencies are urging people to drink water, avoid the hottest hours and check on vulnerable neighbors while ministers outline housing and adaptation steps.