France Under Red Heat Alert in 72 Departments, Storm Warnings Issued

French authorities have placed 72 out of 100 departments under a red heatwave alert and 17 others under orange warnings on Thursday, June 25, 2026, following Wednesday's record-breaking national average temperature of 30°C. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 40°C in some areas. Concurrently, orange alerts for severe storms, with heavy rain, intense wind gusts, and hail risk, are in effect for several western and southwestern departments. The heatwave has led to a high risk of forest fires, suspended train services in some regions, and school closures.