Seven people have died in France amid a record-setting May heat wave, authorities said. Five of the deaths were drownings in lakes, rivers or at beaches. The government has ordered local authorities to increase safety measures at sporting events, while Meteo France issued orange warnings for much of Brittany and forecast temperatures up to 36°C (96.8°F). The heat wave is expected to continue through Wednesday and Thursday.
Record May Heat Wave in France Kills Seven, Sparks Drowning Deaths and Warnings
A worker sprays water on people passing by in Buttes Chaumont park, as temperatures reached up to 35 degrees Celsius, during a period of hot weather in Paris, France, May 25, 2026. REUTERS/Tom Nicholson
Seven people have died in France in incidents directly or indirectly linked to a heat wave that produced the hottest May day in the country's recorded history, French Junior Energy Minister Maud Bregeon said on Tuesday.
A boat passes people sitting on the banks of the Seine River, as temperatures reached up to 35 degrees during a period of hot weather in Paris, France, May 25, 2026. REUTERS/Tom Nicholson
What Happened
Bregeon said five of the seven fatalities were drownings in lakes, rivers or at beaches. The country has experienced higher-than-average temperatures since Saturday, and the surge in warm weather has been accompanied by increased public safety risks, especially around water.
People gather on a terrace on the Canal de l'Ourcq, as temperatures reached up to 35 degrees during a period of hot weather in Paris, France, May 25, 2026. REUTERS/Tom Nicholson
Officials' Response
The government has instructed local authorities to take additional measures to protect the public at sporting events and other gatherings, including stepped-up safety oversight and public warnings. Meteo France has placed most of Brittany under an orange warning, citing temperatures that could reach up to 36°C (96.8°F) on Tuesday afternoon.
People walk along the Canal de l'Ourcq while another person jumps off a bridge into the canal, as temperatures reached up to 35 degrees Celsius, during a period of hot weather in Paris, France, May 25, 2026. REUTERS/Tom Nicholson
Forecast And Advice
Meteo France said the heat wave was expected to persist through Wednesday and Thursday. Authorities and health officials urge the public to avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest hours, stay hydrated, supervise children and non-swimmers near water, and heed local warnings and lifeguard instructions.
Reporting by Inti Landauro; Editing by Jan Harvey and Bernadette Baum.
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