France convenes crisis meeting as scorching heat grips nation

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is set to chair a crisis meeting as a new heatwave grips the country, bringing soaring temperatures and worsening wildfire conditions. 

The emergency meeting comes amid escalating weather warnings and ongoing wildfires in southern France, BFMTV reports.

On July 10, authorities placed nine departments under the highest red weather alert, while orange alerts remain in force across 72 departments. Forecasters warn that temperatures could climb to 40–41°C (104–106°F) in some regions. Conditions are expected to deteriorate further on July 11, when the red alert will be extended to 24 departments, with 56 others remaining under an orange alert.

The extreme heat has compounded firefighting efforts in the southeastern department of Drôme, where wildfires have been burning for a week. Despite the deployment of around 570 firefighters, the blaze has expanded from 3,000 to 3,500 hectares.

Authorities have evacuated approximately 400 people, including campers staying at a nearby campsite, as crews continue working to contain the advancing fire amid persistent high temperatures and challenging conditions.

By Vafa Guliyeva