Extreme Heat Alert Across Northern and Central France
An official extreme heat warning is active for Calvados, Aisne, Aube, Eure-et-Loir, Ille-et-Vilaine, and Jura, issued by Météo-France's METEOALARM system.9 Authorities are calling for strict compliance with safety guidelines as dangerous temperatures grip these departments.3
The scale of the crisis has been extraordinary. On June 25, 2026, 72 departments were placed under maximum red vigilance, with an exceptional heatwave posing very high health risks.13 That number remained at 61 departments on June 26.3
Record Temperatures and National Indicators
France's national temperature indicator — an average of day and night temperatures across dozens of locations — reached 30°C, the hottest level since records began in 1947.2 Temperatures hit almost 41°C in Paris.2
By June 27, 37 departments remained under red vigilance, with record temperatures still expected in several areas.10 Authorities called for absolute vigilance and strict adherence to safety measures.10
Departments Under Maximum Vigilance
Aisne, Aube, Calvados, Eure-et-Loir, Ille-et-Vilaine, and Jura are among the departments for which an official extreme heat warning was issued by Météo-France.9 These departments continued to appear on vigilance lists as the heatwave persisted through the week.12
The crisis extends well beyond France: from late May 2026 onwards, temperature records were broken across Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Spain, and the United Kingdom.7
Western Europe Gripped by Historic Heat
France experienced its hottest day ever during this event, while the UK saw record heat for June and Spain reached its highest daily average since 1950.2 Tens of millions of people across the continent are dealing with punishing temperatures.2
More than half of France remained under a red heat alert at the peak, with tens of thousands of homes in the west without power.2 Violent storms also broke out across parts of France from June 25, adding a further hazard.6
Gradual Relief Expected, but Risks Remain
Forecasters expected a gradual end to the heatwave in the western part of France by the end of the week.8 However, the heat was receding slowly, with 37 departments still on red alert as of June 27.14
Climate change is driving temperatures higher across Europe, which is the fastest-warming region in the world.2
Check the forecast for your city at PrestoWeather to stay ahead of any heat warnings in your area.