Météo-France has issued a warning about an early and intense heatwave affecting the country, describing it as 'durable' and 'unprecedented for the month of May.' The national weather service stated on Friday, May 22, 2026, that the episode is expected to persist, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C in some regions.
According to Météo-France's bulletin, the heatwave has already broken several monthly records for May. The agency noted that such high temperatures so early in the season are rare and are being driven by a persistent high-pressure system over Western Europe.
The heatwave is expected to continue into the following week, with little relief expected overnight. Authorities have urged the public to take precautions, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
This event comes after a series of unusually warm springs in France, raising concerns about the impact of climate change on seasonal weather patterns.
