News Screen – The French government declared heat wave red alert status in 35 departments on Sunday, June 21 2026, as extreme temperatures are expected to continue to increase in the next few days.
This emergency step was taken in the midst of a heat wave that has hit the country since the beginning of the week and caused disruption to various public activities, including the cancellation of train services and the temporary suspension of teaching and learning activities in a number of areas.
The French meteorological agency, Meteo-France, said the high temperatures were expected to last for an uncertain time. Starting Monday, temperatures in some areas could even reach 41 degrees Celsius.
Also Read: European Heat Wave 2026: Extreme Temperatures Threaten Record 40 Degrees in Paris
Red alert status is in effect in an area stretching from Paris to southwestern France. Apart from that, 45 other departments are still on orange alert status.
The government also issued special policies ahead of the annual Fête de la Musique celebration, a street music festival held in various cities and usually attracting millions of visitors.
Through a decision announced after a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, alcohol consumption in public spaces is prohibited in all departments that are on red alert.
Apart from that, all activities organized by the government and state institutions are asked not to provide alcoholic drinks during the festival.
The government considers these restrictions to be important to reduce the risk of health problems due to extreme temperatures while maintaining the capacity of emergency services and health facilities to remain focused on treating the most vulnerable groups in society.
To help residents and tourists cope with the hot weather, Paris authorities decided to keep parks and public green spaces open throughout the night so that people have access to cooler areas.
The heat wave hitting France this time is one of the most extensive in recent years, with most of the country’s population affected by high temperatures that continue to rise.***
Source: AFP
