France declares record-level weather alert amid extreme heatwave

A record-high weather hazard level has been declared in France due to extreme heat on June 21, 2026.

The highest (red) level of weather alert has been issued in 49 of the 96 metropolitan departments of France, including Paris and the Île-de-France region, according to data from the national meteorological service, Météo-France.

Previously, a red alert had never been declared in such a large number of departments. In some areas, temperatures may reach 42°C. “It is quite likely that the heat will continue or even intensify next week,” meteorologists noted.

In addition, the second-highest (orange) alert level has been introduced in 40 departments. Another seven departments are under a yellow alert. As a result, weather warnings due to heat are in effect across the entire metropolitan territory of the country.

Earlier, the Minister of National Education, Édouard Geffray, stated that 845 schools would be closed due to high temperatures. In a further 1,800 educational institutions, schedules will be adjusted: students will be allowed to leave schools before noon.