French authorities placed 64 departments under an orange heatwave alert for Saturday, August 15, according to a report from BFM. The alert covers a large portion of the country as temperatures remain high.
The orange alert level indicates a period of intense heat that requires particular vigilance, especially for vulnerable populations. BFM's report, published early Saturday morning, did not specify which departments were included in the alert or the exact temperatures expected in those areas.
Other French outlets have reported on the broader weather situation. Le Monde noted that 83 departments were under orange alerts when combining heat and fire risks, with temperatures of 35°C to 39°C expected in eastern France and the Paris region. The same report indicated that heat would ease in western parts of the country on Saturday.
Several outlets also flagged the possibility of thunderstorms over the weekend. La Chaîne Météo reported that some storms could be severe, bringing heavy rain, hail, and a risk of flooding. Ouest-France said rain was returning to Maine-et-Loire in the form of thunderstorms, while Actu.fr offered a map for tracking lightning strikes on Saturday.
The combination of heat alerts in the east and storm warnings in other regions points to a volatile weather pattern across France for the weekend. Residents in affected areas should monitor local forecasts and follow guidance from authorities.
What to watch next: whether the heat alerts expand or contract on Sunday as storms move across the country.
