Heatwave: Paris on red alert this Wednesday, record-breaking nights

Published by My de Sortiraparis · Photos by My de Sortiraparis · Updated on June 23, 2026 at 10:11 a.m.
The red heatwave alert remains in effect in Paris and Île-de-France on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, with minimum temperatures even higher than the previous day, according to Météo-France, amid an exceptionally intense heat episode.

The heatwave tightens its grip on Paris and the Île-de-France, kept on red alert by Météo-France this Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The entire region—from the capital to the inner ring (Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-de-Marne) and onward to the outer suburbs—remains under the highest alert level. And for this day, it is mainly the minimum temperatures that worry forecasters: they are expected to be even higher than on Tuesday, prolonging nights that have already been tough to endure.

Why Paris-region nights are breaking all the records

If the afternoon heat sticks in the memory, it is the night that weighs the most in this episode. Last night, Météo-France classified it as the warmest night in France since 1945. The national minimum-temperature index hit 21.96°C, surpassing the previous record of 21.37°C set on July 25, 2019. A tropical-feeling night across a large swath of the country, where the mercury refused to drop.

The records speak for themselves. Temperatures barely cooled, with 26.8°C in Angoulême, 25.3°C in Bordeaux, 25.2°C in Biscarrosse, 25°C in Nice and 24.8°C in Le Mans and Limoges. At Paris-Montsouris, the capital’s reference station, the mercury never dipped below 24.2°C. Needless to say, getting any sleep was a challenge, especially in Parisian apartments that trap the heat built up during the day.

A heatwave on par with August 2003

This episode is unusually intense. Météo-France compares it to the August 2003 heatwave for the departments shown in red, while noting that its duration remains uncertain. By Monday afternoon, temperatures were exceptional across a large part of the country, with 39 to 42°C across a broad swath of the southwest. The western part of the country registered absolute records, across all months, with readings of up to 43°C in Brive, 41.9°C in Bordeaux and 41.8°C in Poitiers.

The heatwave is set to peak between Monday and Thursday. During this period, the nights will remain particularly oppressive, with minimums typically between 22 and 25°C in urban areas. By afternoon, the heat reaches levels unusual for June: highs generally range from 35 to 40°C, with spikes regularly topping 40°C in the cities of the southwest, Centre-Val de Loire, Pays de la Loire, and the Île-de-France. In some places, 42 to 43°C is not ruled out.

When will the heatwave in Paris and Île-de-France finally ease?

From Friday, a modest uptick in conditions could take shape in the northern regions. A somewhat cooler airflow coming from the Channel would help temperatures edge back to more bearable levels, typically between 28 and 33°C. However, this evolution remains to be confirmed, and farther south the extreme heat is expected to persist for several more days. At this stage, Météo-France has not yet clearly defined the end of this unprecedented spell.

Red Alert: Measures in Effect in Île-de-France

In the meantime, red alert comes with concrete measures, reiterated by the Île-de-France Regional Health Agency and the Police Prefecture: postponement or cancellation of outdoor sporting events, orders restricting alcohol consumption in public places, heightened surveillance of swimming areas, and adapted residential parking. A toll-free number, “Canicule info service” (0800 06 66 66), remains reachable from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for guidance, especially to protect the most vulnerable. It is recommended to close shutters and windows during the day, ventilate at night, drink regularly, and check on elderly or isolated neighbors. The heat is also taking its toll on the rail network, with RER and Transilien services canceled in Île-de-France due to the heatwave: it’s best to check your line before you travel.

To follow how the situation evolves day by day, you can read our full update on the end of the Paris and Île-de-France heatwave, as well as the detailed forecast for the week of June 22–28, 2026.

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On June 24, 2026

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