Record-breaking temperatures

France is in the grip of an exceptional and precocious heatwave that has broken more than 1,000 local temperature records since Monday 25 May. On Tuesday, the national thermal indicator (ITN) reached 24.9°C—the highest May average on record—before settling to 24.4°C on Wednesday. Thermometers have registered 36.9°C in Angoulême, 36.4°C in Carcassonne, 35.7°C in Nort-sur-Erdre, and 32.6°C in Saint-Brieuc, where the previous record from the day before was shattered. In Bordeaux, a 104-year-old record fell when the city hit 36.2°C, exceeding the 35.4°C set in May 1922.

Météo-France climatologist Matthieu Sorel stressed the anomaly:

“It is without comparison with historical episodes. With this one, temperatures are very largely above.”

The agency notes that the episode is not yet a “heatwave” by strict criteria—which require three consecutive days with the ITN ≥ 23.4°C and one day ≥ 25.3°C—but it nevertheless describes the event as “historic and unprecedented” for a month of May.

Official response and vigilance

Faced with the intensifying heat, Météo-France has maintained orange “canicule” (heatwave) vigilance for 13 departments from Normandy to Nouvelle-Aquitaine and will extend it to 17 from Thursday at noon, adding Paris and its inner suburbs. The alert level reflects not only raw thermometer readings but also health risks and the duration of extreme heat. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced he will chair an interministerial meeting on Thursday to address issues such as water table levels, forest fire risk, and public services readiness.

Public concern and preparedness

A BFMTV-Elabe survey reveals that only 8% of French people believe the country is fully prepared for such heatwaves, while 35% say it is “not at all ready” and 56% think it “could do better.” Strikingly, 94% expect these periods to become more frequent and intense in the coming years. Over 70% report impacts on their sleep or work capability, and 77% support cancelling or postponing outdoor sports during extreme heat.

Protecting the elderly and vulnerable

Local authorities are acting early. In Rennes, the city triggered its heatwave plan even though it normally runs from 15 June to 15 August. Mayor Nathalie Appéré explained:

“It is normally in place from June 15 to August 15, so not everything is necessarily calibrated when it has to be triggered in May.”

Staff are telephoning the 600 vulnerable residents registered with the communal social action center, reminding them to drink at least 1.5 litres of water daily, avoid going out during peak hours, and wear a hat if they must leave home.

Health recommendations amid the heat

Physician and health journalist Damien Mascret warns against outdoor exercise during the hottest hours:

“It is extremely dangerous. The body multiplies by 20 its internal heat production while it is already struggling against external heat.”

He advises shifting sports to before 7 a.m. or after 8 p.m. Experts also caution against heavy, greasy foods that raise body temperature and disrupt sleep, as well as cold showers that can provoke vasoconstriction and accelerate the heart rate. Instead, they recommend light, water-rich foods and consistent hydration.