More than half of France’s population is experiencing a severe heatwave as extremely high temperatures spread across the country.

The heatwave has disrupted daily life, including the education sector. According to Education Minister Edouard Geffray, 784 primary and secondary schools adjusted their operating hours due to the extreme heat. Of those, 150 schools closed completely to protect students and staff from dangerous temperatures.

France’s national weather agency has described the heatwave as “widespread, prolonged and intense.” Forecasters expected temperatures to peak between Sunday and Tuesday, with some regions reaching around 40°C.

The current weather event marks France’s second heatwave of the year, despite the official start of summer not arriving until Sunday. An earlier heatwave in May broke temperature records across nearly half of the country.

France also recorded its hottest spring since national records began in 1900. Between March and May, average temperatures across the country were approximately 1.7°C above normal levels.

Scientists continue to warn that climate change is contributing to more frequent and intense heatwaves across Europe. Rising global temperatures are increasing the likelihood of prolonged periods of extreme heat, creating challenges for public health, education, infrastructure, and daily life.

Authorities are encouraging residents to take precautions as the heatwave continues, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, and people with existing health conditions.