Météo France and La Chaîne Météo placed 29 departments including Paris on orange heat alert Wednesday until June 22, with temperatures possibly reaching 40°C.
The heatwave is intensifying across much of France starting Wednesday. The national thermal indicator reached 23.6°C, marking the official start of the episode.
Temperatures of 40°C are expected in central and central-eastern regions up to the Paris basin. La Chaîne Météo forecasts peaks of 37°C in Toulouse and 36°C in Lyon on Wednesday.
Santé publique France reminds people of basic precautions: drink regularly, stay cool and limit exertion. EDF is considering production cuts at two nuclear plants to protect the Rhône.
SNCF canceled several Intercités trains. The education minister announced that bac oral exams may be postponed locally.