24/06/2026 15:33 - Internacionales
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Departments on Red Alert | 58 of 101 |
| Homes Without Electricity | 68,000 |
| Maximum Temperature Forecast (Bordeaux) | 44°C (111°F) |
| Maximum Temperature Forecast (Paris) | 41°C (106°F) |
| Schools Closed | More than 1,350 |
| Drowning Deaths | At least 40 since June 18, 2026 |
For international readers, France is divided into 101 administrative units called "departments" (similar to counties or states in other countries). Having 58 departments on red alert means more than half the country is under the highest level of weather warning. This is an extraordinary situation for a nation that traditionally enjoys a temperate climate.
The prefecture of Finistère (located in Brittany, a northwestern coastal region known for its mild oceanic climate) confirmed that 68,000 homes remained without electricity on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The incident, described as accidental, is directly linked to the extreme temperatures affecting the European nation.
"The origin of the incident is accidental and related to the high temperatures currently being recorded. This incident has caused no injuries," the prefecture stated in an official communiqué. Full restoration of power is expected before the end of the day or shortly thereafter.
The situation is particularly critical because Brittany is a coastal region with a traditionally temperate maritime climate. On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the maximum temperature approached 40°C (104°F) in Ergué-Gabéric, one of the department's localities—an absolutely exceptional level for this seaside area.
For Wednesday, June 24, forecasts are alarming:
Météo-France, the national meteorological service, compares the severity of this heatwave to that of August 2003, which caused approximately 15,000 deaths in France. That crisis became the deadliest natural catastrophe in modern French history, mostly affecting elderly populations in urban heat islands.
The night from Tuesday to Wednesday was recorded as the hottest since 1947, with temperatures not dropping below 21.6°C (71°F) on average. This phenomenon of "tropical nights" prevents the human body from recovering from daytime thermal stress.
The Golfech nuclear reactor (located near the Garonne River) was preventively shut down because cooling water exceeded 28°C (82°F), the safe operating limit. France generates about 70% of its electricity from nuclear power.
More than 1,350 schools remain closed across the country to protect children from extreme temperatures. Many French schools lack air conditioning.
Sale and consumption of alcohol in public spaces was prohibited during the Fête de la Musique (a popular annual music festival celebrated across France on June 21).
The crisis is worsened by a structural reality: only 20% of European households have air conditioning, according to data from the World Health Organization. This makes European populations particularly vulnerable to heatwaves, unlike countries such as the United States, where air conditioning penetration exceeds 90%.
The WHO reports that heatwaves have caused more than 200,000 deaths in Europe over the last four years, making extreme heat the deadliest natural disaster on the continent.
This heatwave affects 26 European countries from Ireland to Greece. The phenomenon is caused by a heat dome from the Sahara Desert that has intensified due to climate change. Europe is warming at twice the global rate, according to scientists, making these events increasingly frequent and intense.
Health authorities recommend staying hydrated, avoiding intense physical activity during peak hours (between 12:00 and 18:00), and remaining in cool or shaded spaces.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
