France Activates Extreme Heat Emergency Plan as Heatwave Intensifies

France has activated its Extreme Heat ORSEC emergency plan for the first time as a severe and prolonged heatwave intensifies across the country. Nine departments moved to red alert from noon on July 10, 2026, with 24 departments, including all eight in the Île-de-France region (Paris), expected to be under red alert by July 11. Temperatures of 37-38°C are forecast in Paris, rising to 40°C along the western coast. The heatwave, which began on July 4, is expected to continue until at least Tuesday, with wildfire risks also rising significantly.