Heatwave hits Paris and Île-de-France as the capital is again placed on orange alert

The forecasts were accurate: Paris and the Île-de-France region have been placed under orange heatwave alert from August 12, 2026, and at least until August 14.

It's becoming a pattern: a few days of (relative) cool followed by stretches of very intense heat... This summer of 2026 is truly unusual. On August 12, 2026, the French begin their fifth heatwave. A period characterized by scorching temperatures and nights that stay warm. An extreme phenomenon that is harmful to health, but also to nature and animals.

On August 12, Météo France placed 78 departments on orange alert for the heatwave, including Paris (75), Seine-et-Marne (77), Yvelines (78), Essonne (91), Hauts-de-Seine (92), Seine-Saint-Denis (93), Val-de-Marne (94) and Val-d'Oise (95). The alert is expected to remain in place at least until Friday, August 14, according to Météo France's forecasts.

In concrete terms, the institution is recording temperatures well above seasonal norms, with readings sometimes as much as 10°C above the usual averages. Several cities are expected to hit 40°C between Wednesday and Friday. In Paris, the high is forecast at 38°C on Thursday the 13th and Friday the 14th of August. Starting this August 15 weekend, Météo France predicts thunderstorms that should push temperatures down by several degrees.

Heatwave: what dangers does it pose?

These extreme heatwaves don’t come without consequences. Animals, plants and crops, humans: the entire living system is suffering from this temperature upheaval.

Sleep disrupted, cramps, nausea, headaches: heat waves can take a serious toll on santé—the health of people, particularly the most vulnerable. Moreover, the government warns those looking to cool off by swimming in the water: the risk of noyade is higher during these heat spells.

Following the numerous incendies that hit France at the end of July, authorities are also sounding the alarm on these phenomena. Heatwave and drought are fueling the spread of the fire. It is reminded that cigarette butts should not be tossed in nature, that fires or barbecues must not be lit in forests, and that certain activities and works must be halted to avoid the risk of sparking fires.

Orange heatwave alert: what precautions should you take?

The essential precautions remain the same: drink regularly before you feel thirsty, avoid alcohol, keep your home closed with the blinds drawn during the day, ventilate at night, adjust your diet, and check in on isolated loved ones. Vulnerable residents can sign up with their town hall so the municipality can regularly monitor the well-being of at-risk inhabitants.

The official map can be consulted on Vigilance Météo-France and detailed forecasts on meteofrance.com, while the Canicule info service can be reached at 0 800 06 66 66 (toll-free) and the ARS Île-de-France as well as Santé publique France relay the official guidelines. In Paris, the cooling zones, parks, churches and museums that are air-conditioned welcome those seeking some relief from the heat.

Heatwave: where to cool off in Paris and Île-de-France? Enjoyable outings when it’s hot
The heat is back in June 2026 across Paris and the Île-de-France region. Pools, leisure centers, shaded terraces, air-conditioned cinemas: here’s a guide to the best ways to cool off during this hot spell. [Read more]

This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.