Nearly half of France’s departments have been placed under red or orange heat alerts as an unprecedented heatwave intensifies across the country. The red alert, reserved for exceptional heat events, covers 15 departments in the south-west, including the Gironde, Landes, and Pyrénées-Atlantiques. The national weather service, Météo-France, warned temperatures could reach 42°C in some areas.
The alert coincides with the first day of a nationwide ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol at street festivals and public events, a measure introduced by the government to reduce pressure on emergency services during the heatwave. The ban, which applies to events such as village fêtes and outdoor concerts, has been met with criticism from local organisers who argue it undermines community spirit. The interior ministry defended the decision, stating it was necessary to prevent dehydration and heatstroke.
Public health officials have urged residents to stay indoors during the hottest hours, avoid physical exertion, and check on elderly neighbours. Hospitals in the affected regions have activated emergency protocols to cope with a surge in heat-related admissions. The heatwave, which originated over the Sahara, is expected to peak on Thursday before easing over the weekend.