France braces for third heatwave in a month as temperatures set to top 35°C this weekend
Météo-France forecasts temperatures above 35°C from 4 July, just days after a historic June heatwave that caused over 1,000 excess deaths. SNCF says it is reinforcing maintenance ahead of the first big summer getaway.
A third heatwave in weeks
Météo-France forecaster Patrick Galois said on 30 June that a new heatwave is very likely from this weekend. Temperatures are expected to exceed 35°C, with anticyclonic conditions from the south. The heat dome will primarily affect western Spain and Portugal, with France on its margins, according to Alix Roumagnac of Predict services. The episode could last until 12-13 July, followed by possible thunderstorms. This would be the third heatwave since late May.
- First heatwave begins, lasts until 28 May. At least 300 excess deaths recorded.
- Historic June heatwave starts. Temperatures break multiple records.
- Hottest day ever recorded in France: 30°C average over 24h, 38.5°C maximum.
- Second hottest day; hottest night ever at 22.0°C average minimum.
- Météo-France announces a new heatwave is very likely from the weekend.
- Expected start of third heatwave, temperatures above 35°C.
- Possible end of heat dome, with thunderstorms forecast.
Health toll mounts
The June heatwave, which began on 17 June and is not yet officially over, has already caused around 1,000 excess deaths since 24 June, mostly among people over 65, Santé publique France reported. The May heatwave (24-28 May) caused at least 300 excess deaths. Epidemiologist Basile Chaix told AFP that heatwaves cause between 1,000 and 7,000 deaths per year, and "this summer we will likely be closer to 7,000 than 1,000." Nicolas Revel, head of Paris public hospitals, expressed concern about the cumulative fatigue on healthcare workers.
- May 2026 (24-28 May)
- 300 excess deaths
- June 2026 (since 24 June)
- 1000 excess deaths
Transport and infrastructure strain
SNCF president Jean Castex said the rail operator is reinforcing maintenance and checking air conditioning on TGV trains ahead of the first big summer holiday weekend, when one million travelers are expected. Last week, during the peak of the June heatwave, 2.7 million passengers traveled, and 33,000 (1.2%) experienced serious delays of over three hours. Nine out of ten trains ran. Castex warned that he cannot guarantee 100% operation in exceptional conditions. The problems mainly affected older Intercités trains, which are being replaced with new air-conditioned models.
I cannot guarantee that it will work 100% in an exceptional situation.
Drought and fire risks
The absence of significant rain between heatwaves is accelerating soil drying and increasing wildfire risk, Galois noted. Six southern departments were placed on "very high" fire risk alert. Météo-France said the probability of orange heatwave vigilance is becoming marked for the south this weekend.
Government and city responses
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said emergency measures adopted during the recent heatwave "worked well." Ecology Minister Monique Barbut had warned of a high probability of extreme heat returning by 14 July. In Paris, although the orange alert was lifted, the city kept parks open 24 hours and extended swimming hours at Canal Saint-Martin to help residents cool down.
