Southern France faces extreme heat, with temperatures above 40°C in several regions. Emergency wildfire alerts are in place. Train services are disrupted and thousands of hectares have burned in just days.
Southern France is experiencing an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures climbing above 40°C in multiple departments and emergency services stretched by wildfire risks. The meteorological institute has reported new all-time highs for July in cities such as Montpellier (40.8°C), Perpignan (40.7°C), and Istres (40.5°C), while Marignane and Cassis have also seen record-breaking figures at 40.2°C and 39.9°C respectively. The highest temperature was recorded in Moulès-et-Baucels (Hérault) at 43.0°C, with Villevieille (Gard) reaching 42.5°C and Canet-en-Roussillon (Pyrénées-Orientales) at 41.4°C.
Authorities have placed 67 departments under orange-level heatwave vigilance, with five more set to join from Thursday midday. Météo-France warns that this severe and persistent heat episode is likely to continue through the coming weekend. The combination of soaring temperatures and strengthening winds has led to a maximum wildfire alert across parts of the Mediterranean coastline, prompting heightened readiness among emergency services.
Major fires have already broken out in the Drôme, Hérault, Pyrénées-Orientales, and Cher, requiring significant mobilization of firefighting resources. The SNCF has responded to the extreme conditions by cancelling a quarter of Intercités train departures and some TGV services, citing safety concerns and operational challenges caused by the heat. Emergency medical services are also seeing a stabilization or slight increase in heat-related incidents, reflecting the ongoing strain on public health infrastructure.
In just eight days this July, wildfires have consumed 7,800 hectares—almost double the total area burned during the entire month of July 2025. This surge in fire activity is compounded by persistent drought, creating a volatile environment across several French regions. The situation echoes other recent emergencies in the region, such as the large-scale evacuation in Barcelona following a sinkhole, which also tested local response capabilities and highlighted the growing impact of extreme weather events. For more on how authorities have managed sudden crises in southern Europe, see the report on the Barcelona building evacuations after a major sinkhole.
Heatwaves of this magnitude are becoming more frequent in Europe, with France among the countries most affected in recent years. The orange-level alert system is designed to prompt both authorities and residents to take preventive measures, including limiting outdoor activities, ensuring hydration, and monitoring vulnerable populations. The SNCF's decision to reduce train services underscores the broader impact on daily life and infrastructure. Wildfire risk remains a critical concern, especially in areas where drought and high winds coincide. As the heatwave persists, local governments and emergency services continue to adapt their response strategies to protect residents and limit damage.
