France is experiencing its second heatwave of 2026, with nearly two-thirds of the country and nearly 36 million people under an orange heat alert. This second-highest warning urges residents to be very cautious as the weather office describes the event as widespread, prolonged, and intense.
Temperatures are expected to reach or exceed 40C, particularly on June 21, although astronomical summer does not begin until that day. President Emmanuel Macron has called for extreme vigilance, urging citizens to follow government advice and take care of the oldest and most vulnerable people during these difficult days.
The extreme weather has led several municipalities to cancel Fete de la Musique celebrations. Additionally, the state-owned utility EDF has warned that three nuclear plants face production curbs next week because of high temperatures on the Rhone and Garonne rivers.