France is bracing for another intense heatwave, with the national weather service placing 78 departments on orange alert as temperatures are set to climb above 35°C across much of the country. In Corsica, the mercury could reach 40°C or more by Thursday, adding to the strain on residents and infrastructure already tested by weeks of dry weather.
The heat is making daily life increasingly difficult, particularly in urban centres like Bordeaux, where people are keeping windows shut during the day and venturing out only during the cooler early morning or late evening hours. Nights offer little relief, especially in western regions, where temperatures are struggling to drop below uncomfortable levels.
Health warnings and practical advice
Authorities are urging people to drink water regularly, seek cool environments, and pay special attention to vulnerable groups such as the elderly and young children. A diet rich in fruit and vegetables, along with cool showers, is also recommended to help cope with the high temperatures.
But the heatwave is only part of the problem. The lack of rainfall has worsened the drought, leaving soils extremely dry and small watercourses in a precarious state. According to the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB), nearly 1,400 watercourses have dried up entirely. As a result, water-use restrictions now apply to a large majority of the population in mainland France and Corsica.
These restrictions vary by region but typically include bans on watering gardens, filling swimming pools, and washing cars, as well as limits on agricultural irrigation. In some areas, stricter measures have been introduced to protect drinking water supplies.
The situation is part of a broader pattern across Europe, where successive heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. France is not alone in facing these challenges; Italy has also seen extreme heat affecting even its prized Parmigiano cheese production, and the Danube's low waters have exposed historical relics as the continent grapples with drought.
For French residents, the immediate concern is the coming days. Forecasters do not expect a return to more tolerable temperatures before the weekend. In the meantime, the authorities are advising people to check on neighbours, especially those living alone, and to avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
This heatwave also highlights the growing need for long-term adaptation. As thermal comfort becomes a key factor for French homebuyers, the country is beginning to rethink urban planning and building design to cope with rising temperatures. The European Union is also stepping up efforts, with a 2030 water strategy aiming for a 10% efficiency gain across member states.
For now, the priority is getting through the next few days safely. The heatwave is a stark reminder that climate change is not a distant threat but a present reality, and that Europe must prepare for more frequent and severe weather events in the years ahead.
