Extreme Heatwave in France: Authorities Issue Alerts to Protect the Elderly

An unprecedented heatwave is sweeping France, with temperatures set to reach 39°C in the south-east of the country by Thursday. Authorities have extended the orange alert to 17 departments, including Paris and its surrounding areas, in a bid to protect vulnerable groups — particularly the elderly.

Record temperatures and risks for older people

Western France is experiencing temperatures of 30–35°C, while Aquitaine and Languedoc-Roussillon could see highs of 36–38°C. The Paris region will record 32–35°C, and the south-east risks reaching extreme values of 38–39°C, considered exceptional for this time of year.

Older people are particularly vulnerable to such extreme weather conditions, facing risks of dehydration, heat exhaustion and the worsening of pre-existing health problems. Care homes and home-care services must urgently adapt their protection protocols.

Historic records broken

The heatwave has already generated more than 1,000 monthly temperature records across the country, with hundreds more expected by Saturday. On Wednesday, numerous cities exceeded 37°C, marking historic highs for this time of year.

Emergency government measures

From Thursday lunchtime, the capital Paris and the neighbouring departments of Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis and Val-de-Marne officially came under orange alert, joining the 13 western departments already subject to the warning.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will chair a crucial inter-ministerial meeting to draw up a "resilience plan" for the summer. The plan will address vital issues including groundwater levels, public access to cool spaces and wildfire prevention — all of which are essential to protecting the elderly population from extreme heat.