An unprecedented heatwave has placed half of France under a red alert, the highest level of emergency, as temperatures are expected to surpass 40°C in some regions. In a stark measure to prevent heat-related fatalities, the authorities have banned alcohol sales at a major street festival in the south, warning British tourists to stay hydrated and avoid the sun during peak hours.
The red alert, issued by Météo-France, covers 47 of the country's 96 departments, from the Mediterranean coast to the Loire Valley. It is the first time such a large area has been put under the highest warning. The festival in question, the Feria de la Madeleine in Mont-de-Marsan, usually attracts thousands of revellers. But this year, prefects have ordered a ban on the sale of alcohol during the event, a move that has sparked debate among locals but is supported by medics who warn that alcohol exacerbates dehydration.
British tourists, many of whom are unaware of the severity, have been urged to take precautions. The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice, warning that the heatwave could cause disruption to transport and health services. Flights and trains may be delayed, and tourists are advised to check with their operators. The British Embassy in Paris is monitoring the situation and has set up a helpline for those affected.
The heatwave is expected to peak on Thursday, with temperatures reaching 42°C in some areas. Nighttime temperatures will also remain high, offering little respite. Hospitals are on standby, and emergency services have been mobilised to assist the elderly and vulnerable. Firefighters are on high alert for wildfires, which have already broken out in the south.
For workers, the heatwave poses a particular risk. Outdoor labourers in construction and agriculture are being told to down tools between midday and 4pm. Trade unions have called for greater protections, but many workers fear losing pay if they stop. This is a sharp reminder of how extreme weather exacerbates inequality: those who can afford to stay indoors do so, while those who cannot must risk their health.
As the mercury rises, the question of how to adapt to a hotter world becomes more urgent. France's heatwave plan, rolled out after the deadly 2003 heatwave that killed 15,000 people, has helped reduce mortality. But with climate change making such events more frequent, the strain on public services and the most vulnerable will only increase.
For now, the advice is simple: stay inside, drink water, and do not drink alcohol. The festival will go ahead, but the bars will be closed. Tourists are advised to check local news and follow the instructions of local authorities. The heatwave is a reminder that even in a holiday setting, nature can be unforgiving.