Heatwave Forces School Closures and Exam Delays Across France
Schools close as more than half – France is facing severe weather conditions as over 50% of its regions have activated red heat alerts. The ongoing heatwave is expected to push temperatures above 40°C (104°F) in western areas, with Bordeaux projected to reach 42°C, according to Météo-France. This has led to the closure of 845 schools and early dismissal for an additional 1,800 educational institutions, per the education ministry’s report.
Students Face Exam Challenges Amid Record Heat
Despite the school closures, more than a million high school students are set to take their oral baccalaureate exams, which are crucial for their academic futures. The government has issued warnings about the dangers of heat, urging people to avoid unsupervised areas like lakes and rivers after 13 drownings were recorded over the weekend.
Railway Services Adjust to Unseasonal Temperatures
The national railway operator SNCF advised vulnerable individuals to delay or avoid train travel due to the extreme heat, with several lines in Paris reducing services. Belgium’s train operator also announced cancellations for peak hour services on Monday and Tuesday as the country anticipates record-breaking temperatures. The IRM meteorological institute noted that these conditions could extend into a prolonged heatwave.
High temperatures are attributed to a surge of hot air from the Sahara desert, which has trapped heat over western and central Europe. Météo-France highlighted that 34 of the 51 heatwaves recorded since 1947 have occurred in the past 20 years, with 26 since 2011 alone. Spain’s weather service, Aemet, warned of temperatures 5–10°C higher than usual for the season, lasting until Wednesday.
Notable heat spikes include the Basque Country, where San Sebastian is forecast to hit 40°C, nearly double its seasonal average. Madrid will see 39°C, while Rome in Italy is expected to reach 37°C. Meanwhile, the UK’s Met Office issued a rare red heat warning for parts of England and Wales, predicting 38°C in some regions.
“Many fellow citizens will suffer during this hot weather, and we urge people to keep a close eye on relatives and neighbours,” said Health Minister Stéphanie Rist on Monday.
The heatwave has already caused fatalities, with three individuals aged 80 to 95 passing away in the southwest Gironde region, linked to the intense conditions. The government also imposed an alcohol ban at the Fête de la Musique festival, which drew large crowds, to protect emergency services and healthcare staff from overload.
Heatwave Trends and Regional Alerts
While the western coast experiences the highest temperatures, much of France will remain in the 36°C to 40°C range for the week. Météo-France described the heatwave as “widespread, long-lasting and intense,” with temperatures predicted to stay elevated until the end of the week. Dozens of regions are under orange alerts, impacting a total of 63 million people nationwide.
