Having barely emerged from the episode of extreme heat which hit France at the end of May, triggering a heat wave alert for the first time since its creation in 2003 so early in the year, the French are already having to face a new rise in temperatures. This Monday, June 15, the thermometer shows up to 33°C in Perpignan and 32°C in Tours. This is just the beginning, as a heat peak is expected between June 20 and 22.
🌡️A heat wave is setting in this week. ➡️ From Tuesday, more than 30°C in many regions, then values of 30 to 38°C. ⚡Storms may break out in the southern and western/north-western terrain at the end of the week. meteofrance.com/actualites-e…
— Météo-France (@meteofrance.com) 2026-06-15T12:57:10.397Z
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Although these two episodes have similarities, their meteorological origin differs. The one in May was caused by a heat dome, an unusual phenomenon that traps hot air. The current wave results from a more classic situation: a powerful south to southwest flow which favors the rise towards France of very warm air from the Maghreb.
Over the next few days, temperatures are expected to exceed 35°C in many areas, especially from Wednesday. In the South-West, maximums could even rise to 40°C. Unlike the May episode, mainly concentrated on the Atlantic coast and the south of the country, this new heat wave could extend to a large part of the territory. The northeastern regions, usually less exposed to subtropical influences, should not be spared.
This new heat episode could also prove to be more intense than that of May, both from a thermal and health perspective. At altitude in particular, the air promises to be warmer with temperatures which could exceed 24°C at 1,500 meters above sea level.
Forest fire risks
The approach of the summer solstice also contributes to reinforcing the phenomenon. With longer days and increased sunshine, the solar energy received on the ground increases, promoting greater warming of the lower layers of the atmosphere. Added to this is the state of the soil, now drier than in May, which limits evaporation and accentuates the rise in temperatures.
Drought also increases the risk of fires. This Monday, Météo France placed six departments, Vendée, Deux-Sèvres, Aude, Hérault, Gard and Vaucluse, on high alert for the risk of forest fires. Thirty-two other departments are classified as moderate risk.
From a health perspective, repeated heat episodes also constitute an aggravating factor. The body, subjected to high temperatures on a recurring basis, may see its capacity to adapt decrease. Associated with significant pollen concentrations, these conditions are likely to prove particularly difficult for the most vulnerable people.
Finally, this heat wave should be accompanied by sometimes significant stormy episodes, particularly in the west of the country and at the end of the week. These storms could help end the episode, although its exact duration is still difficult to determine.
