New heat wave in France could complicate forest fires

Published at: 27/07/2026 03:12 PM

The French weather services confirmed the beginning of a new heat wave, starting this Tuesday, with highs of up to 40 degrees in the southwest, which could complicate the fight against the many active sources of fire, especially near Bordeaux.

Maximum temperatures will register “a clear increase” starting tomorrow, with high values in much of the country, between 32 and 35 degrees Celsius, although in the southwest mercury could rise to 37 degrees, the official Météo France institute detailed in its latest bulletin.

For that first day of the new heat wave alert, 33 degrees are expected in Nantes and Paris, 34 in Lyon and 35 in Toulouse. On Wednesday, the phenomenon will intensify and 38 degrees are expected in Paris and Tours, 36 in Lyon and Grenoble. In some parts of the southwest, the maximum will be between 38 and 40 degrees.

Temperatures will remain high throughout the week, Météo France said, but starting Thursday the peak of heat will shift to the east.

This new heat wave will make it difficult to extinguish fires at a time when France is experiencing an historic record in terms of burned hectares (116,000 so far this year) and evacuations (more than 250,000 people).

Mazo News Team/VTV