France Hits 112.3°F, Beating 2050 Heat Scenario in 19 of 34 Locations
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 25
France Hits 112.3°F, Beating 2050 Heat Scenario in 19 of 34 Locations
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 25
Summary
44.3°C on Wednesday pushed France beyond a 2014 imagined 2050 heatwave map in 19 of 34 mainland locations, with some places topping that scenario by more than 20°F.
A jet-stream shift pulled hot air north from Africa and built a persistent heat dome, driving temperatures hotter than Phoenix and Las Vegas and leaving less than 1% of the planet warmer than France's hottest spot.
Météo-France says half of the country's heatwaves since 1947 have occurred since 2010, underscoring how rapidly extreme heat is intensifying.
By 2100, French heatwaves could last up to two continuous months, and climate scientists say episodes like this one are becoming the new normal across a warming Europe.
With heatwaves now a deadly norm, are European cities fundamentally redesigning their infrastructure for survival?
New science reveals dry heat is as deadly as humid heat. Is our current public health advice dangerously outdated?
2026 France and European Heatwave: Record-Breaking Temperatures, Public Health Crisis, and Urgent Adaptation Needs
Overview
As of June 25, 2026, a major heatwave that began in central and western Europe last week has rapidly spread, affecting millions and prompting severe warnings across the region. The United Kingdom issued a rare red heat alert, while Italy faced critical conditions with multiple red alerts in its northern and central areas. The heatwave is expected to last through at least June 26, with over 100 million people in Europe forecast to experience extreme temperatures above 35°C. This event highlights the growing impact of extreme heat on public health and the urgent need for effective emergency responses.