Extreme weather
In view of the severe heat wave, the French government has launched a first-of-its-kind heat emergency plan.
July 10, 2026, 2:17 p.mJuly 10, 2026, 2:17 p.m
The plan, which “did not exist in the past,” includes, among other things, the establishment of cooling centers for people at risk, as government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon announced on TF1. These mainly included older people, but also homeless people. The office of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed the start of the measure.
A tourist protects herself from the heat in Paris with an umbrella.Image: keystone
According to Bregeon, the plan applies to departments with the highest heat warning level. According to the French weather service Météo France, this currently affects nine departments in western France. On Saturday the area expands and the red alert also applies to the greater Paris area. Temperatures that reach the 40 degree mark are expected.
People can stay in the air-conditioned centers for a few hours or even spend the night, explained the director of the French Civil Defense, Julien Marion, to the broadcaster BFMTV.
It is already the third extreme heat phase within two months to hit neighboring Germany. According to Météo France, it is expected to last until at least the middle of next week. (dab/sda/dpa)