France has been experiencing an extended heat wave since early August 2025, with a fluctuating number of departments placed under varying levels of heat alerts. Initially, 42 departments were placed under orange vigilance on Sunday, August 10, with the number increasing to 46 on Monday. Temperatures frequently reached and sometimes exceeded 40°C, with peaks expected between Monday and Tuesday. On August 11, 12 departments in the southwest were elevated to red vigilance, indicating more severe heat conditions. This number increased to 14 departments under red vigilance by Tuesday, August 12, with nearly the entire country under orange vigilance. Temperatures reached record highs, with some areas such as Carcassonne, Angoulême, and Gironde experiencing temperatures above 42°C, and peaks up to 43°C reported. The red vigilance was maintained through Wednesday and extended to Thursday morning in five departments primarily in the Centre-East and Aude regions, while nine southwestern departments were downgraded from red. Concurrently, there were increasing alerts for thunderstorms, with multiple departments placed under yellow and orange vigilance for storms. By Thursday, the red vigilance was lifted entirely, but 75 departments remained under orange vigilance. The heat wave continued into Friday, August 15, with 70 to 80 departments under orange vigilance, and forecasts indicated a new wave of heat for the upcoming weekend, with temperatures potentially exceeding 42°C in central and southern regions. Authorities also warned of an increased risk of wildfires due to the ongoing heat. The heat wave has been accompanied by tropical nights in some areas, such as the Rhône Valley, and the situation remains closely monitored by Météo-France.