Paris – 25.05.2026: During the night from Sunday to Monday, new heat records for May were measured in the western French cities of Lorient, Quimper, and Nantes. These exceptional temperatures are part of a nationwide heatwave also affecting the western regions of France.
According to Météo-France, temperatures of 30.6°C were recorded in Quimper, 30.4°C in Lorient, and 30.2°C in Nantes. These values significantly surpass previous May high temperatures and are unusually high for the region.
The current heatwave is particularly intense and early. Météo-France has therefore issued a “Vigilance Jaune Canicule” (Yellow Heat Alert) for 13 western departments, including Finistère, Morbihan, Ille-et-Vilaine, Mayenne, Sarthe, Loir-et-Cher, Indre-et-Loire, Maine-et-Loire, Loire-Atlantique, Vendée, Deux-Sèvres, Vienne, and Charente. This is the first time such a warning has been issued in May since the system was introduced in 2004.
The high temperatures have already impacted various aspects of public life. Due to the heat, several people had to be hospitalized at sports events. In Maisons-Alfort, a town near Paris, 14 people, including ten in absolute emergencies, were admitted to hospital after a race.
Experts attribute the current heatwave to a meteorological phenomenon called the “Omega Blockade.” This is a stable high-pressure zone that traps warm air masses over large parts of the country, leading to the unusually high temperatures.
The authorities advise the population, especially in the affected regions, to take precautions. These include staying in the shade during the hottest times of the day, drinking enough fluids, and avoiding physical exertion.
These exceptional temperatures also raise questions about climate change. Climate researchers point out that such heatwaves might occur more frequently in the future if global temperatures continue to rise.
The current weather conditions and related warnings are in effect until the end of the week. It is recommended to closely follow local weather reports and authorities’ instructions.