Heatwave in France intensifies again

France – 08/08/2026: The heatwave that has persisted in France since the end of July is likely to intensify again over the coming days. Very high temperatures are expected, especially in the south and east. According to Météo-France, the current hot spell could last an exceptionally long time; however, a final assessment will only be possible after it has ended.

As early as Thursday, August 6, several weather stations in the Var département recorded temperatures of more than 40 degrees. A high of 41.8 degrees was reported near Saint-Tropez. The strain is not limited to the hottest afternoon hours. If nights also remain unusually warm, the body has less opportunity to recover. Older people, infants and people with chronic illnesses are particularly at risk.

The current weather situation follows two completed nationwide heatwaves this summer. The first lasted from June 17 to June 30 and was of exceptional intensity. The second ran from July 4 to July 19 and, at around two weeks, was among the longer heat events. An early warm period in May, however, did not reach the threshold for a nationwide heatwave under the weather service’s criteria.

The occasionally used description of this as the fifth heatwave is therefore not yet supported by Météo-France’s official classification. At the end of July, the weather service referred to a fourth heat event of the summer, whose geographical extent and intensity still had to be determined. The current development is thus regarded as a continuation and intensification of this phase, rather than the confirmed start of another separate event.

From a meteorological perspective, the prolonged duration worsens the effects of parched soils. According to Météo-France, soil moisture in many areas is below the comparable levels for the same time of year in 2022 and 2025. Dry soils release less water through evaporation, meaning that more solar energy heats the air close to the ground. At the same time, the risk of vegetation and forest fires is increasing.

Municipalities, care facilities and employers must therefore maintain their protective measures for longer. Health authorities recommend that vulnerable people drink enough fluids, seek out cool rooms and avoid physical exertion as far as possible. Confusion, fainting or unusual weakness may indicate a medical emergency.

Warning maps and local forecasts remain decisive, as the level of strain can vary considerably between départements. Whether the current phase ranks among the longest heatwaves since national records began in 1947 can only be assessed by Météo-France after it has ended.