In this mid-August 2025, France crosses its second heat wave of the year, the 51st recorded since 1947, with temperatures often exceeding 40 ° C in the southwest and the center-east, with several departments on red alert and exposing the population to increased health risks.
A contrasting regional panorama
Regional heat wave chronology © The weather channel
The heat wave unequally strikes France: the South West is the most affected, with peaks at 42 ° C raised in Aquitaine departments on Monday.
In the north and east, the temperatures are high but less extreme, around 35-37 ° C, while Brittany and the North West benefit from a relative respite with maximum under 30 ° C, thanks to sporadic ocean flows.
Where are we this Wednesday?
The heart of the episode shifts from the southwest to the Rhone corridor and the center-east, where 38 to 41 ° C remain possible locally; To the west, the oceanic influence limits excess a little, but without real refreshment. The nights remain heavy, frequently ≥ 20 ° C in many agglomerations.
Planned evolution: plateau, rebound and gradual decrease
Planned dates at the end of the heat wave © The weather channel
Our forecasts indicate a tray phase until Friday, (reflux by the Atlantic arc, tenacious heat to the east), with stable temperatures around 38 to 40 ° C in the south.
An important rebound is expected this weekend of August 16-17, potentially record in the southwest, before a gradual drop next Monday, bringing the maximums under 35 ° C by the middle of next week. Even if the heat wave ends, it will continue to be hot, probably until the end of August, which promises to be far superior to the season.
The heat wave is out of two stages: a still very hot weekend, then a gradual reflux at the start of the week-to be confirmed over the updates.