France raises heat warning to red in 37 departments as temperatures climb

PARIS, France — France's national meteorological service has raised its weather risk alert to the highest level in 37 departments as an extreme heat wave grips the country. The agency said 46 additional departments will be placed under an orange alert starting Sunday, July 12, 2026, with temperatures forecast to exceed 35°C across most of the country and reach 40°C in some areas. The current heat wave is part of a broader temperature increase affecting France and several other European countries in recent weeks. According to the agency's forecasts, the alert levels were set based on projected peak temperatures and the duration of the heat episode. The meteorological service had previously activated the highest warning level in 72 of 96 departments at the end of June, when temperatures surpassed 40°C in some locations. Authorities have urged residents to take precautions against the heat, particularly vulnerable groups including the elderly and young children.