France under an extreme heat wave – Government under pressure

Paris – 28.05.2026: France is currently being affected by an extraordinary heat wave bringing record temperatures for this time of year. In several regions, including Paris, temperatures of up to 35 degrees Celsius were recorded on Wednesday, an unusually high figure for May. These extreme values have already caused seven deaths, mainly among elderly people and those with pre-existing health conditions.

The state meteorological institute Météo-France has issued an orange heat alert for many departments, including the capital. This alert is in effect until early Friday morning. Authorities strongly recommend that the population stay in the shade or in air-conditioned places during the hottest hours of the day, drink sufficient water, and avoid physical exertion. Furthermore, they advise paying special attention to vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

The government under Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is facing increasing criticism for its handling of the crisis. Despite having convened a short-term emergency meeting in which a “resilience plan until September” was presented, opposition parties and environmental organizations criticize the hesitant response. Marine Tondelier, chairwoman of the Green party “Die Ökologen,” demands, in light of the increase in extreme climate events, broader measures including the introduction of a “climate leave.” This model, which is already being tested in Spain, allows workers to take up to five additional days off on especially hot days.

Although the warnings are clearly communicated, many people continue their usual activities, which increases the risk of more heat-related illnesses. The government calls on the population to take the prevention recommendations seriously and to seek medical help immediately if symptoms appear.

The current heat wave is related to the consequences of global climate change, which intensifies this type of extreme phenomenon. Scientific studies warn of an increase in the frequency and intensity of heat waves if strong climate protection and adaptation measures are not adopted.

A gradual decrease in temperatures is expected in the coming days, starting in western France. However, the simultaneous increase in humidity could continue to keep the burden high for the population. Authorities are continuously monitoring the situation and are prepared to implement further protective measures if necessary.

Recent events underscore the importance of strengthening prevention and adaptation to climate change at all levels. Only through close collaboration between politics, science, and society can resilience to such extreme events be increased, and their consequences for health and infrastructure limited.

The population is still urged to follow current weather warnings and behave accordingly to minimize the health risks caused by the heat.