DID Press: Nearly two-thirds of France has been placed under an orange weather alert as a severe heatwave intensifies, raising concerns of conditions comparable to the deadly August 2003 heatwave that claimed more than 14,800 lives.
Authorities say 60 administrative regions are currently under alert, affecting around 41 million people. Meteorological forecasts indicate temperatures will exceed 30°C, with some areas expected to approach 40°C in the coming days.
Local municipalities, including Biarritz and Limoges, have urged vulnerable residents to register for health monitoring services. In Paris, public parks will remain open around the clock to provide relief from the extreme heat.
City officials are also reassessing public events. Paris Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire expressed doubts about holding the upcoming “Fête de la Musique” festival under such conditions, citing risks linked to crowd density and high temperatures. Meanwhile, police authorities have recommended cancelling multiple outdoor sporting events scheduled for the weekend.
Across the country, schools and construction sites have adjusted working hours or temporarily suspended activities in response to the extreme weather conditions.