France braces for fifth heatwave of summer as temperatures near 40°C

France is preparing for its fifth heatwave of the summer of 2026, with temperatures forecast to climb to around 40°C in parts of the country later this week, according to BFMTV.

The latest spell of extreme heat is expected to begin on August 11, with temperatures rising steadily across the country.

From August 12, temperatures are forecast to exceed 30°C across almost all of France, with the exception of Brittany, parts of the western English Channel coast, and southern Aquitaine in the southwest.

The hottest conditions are expected on August 13, when temperatures could reach up to 40°C in eastern France. The French Meteorological Service forecasts highs of 32°C in Paris, 35°C in Lyon, 36°C in Toulouse, and up to 39°C in Montélimar in southeastern France.

Forecasters expect the heatwave to persist until at least August 15, prolonging an already exceptionally hot summer that has seen repeated episodes of extreme temperatures across the country.

By Sabina Mammadli