France: France places 72 departments on highest heat alert as heatwave intensifies.

SHOTLIST: SAINT-ETIENNE, FRANCE (JUNE 24, 2026) 1. THERMOMETER SHOWING HIGH TEMPERATURE (TWO SHOTS) 2. SCORCHING SUN HEATING STREET (TWO SHOTS) 3. PEOPLE TRYING TO COOL OFF WITH WATER FROM FOUNTAINS (TWO SHOTS) 4. STREET IN SAINT-ETIENNE 5. SIGN DISPLAYING AIR TEMPERATURE 6. FOUNTAINS (TWO SHOTS) 7. EXTREME HEAT WARNING DISPLAYED ON DIGITAL SCREEN (TWO SHOTS) 8. SCORCHING SUN SHINING BEHIND TREESSAINT-ETIENNE, FRANCE - JUNE 24, 2026: France is set to face an unprecedented day on Thursday as 72 mainland departments are placed under the highest-level "red" heat alert. The warning marks the largest heat alert ever issued in the country, with authorities grappling with a prolonged heatwave that has persisted for more than a week. The red alert, which takes effect at midday, covers around 51 million people, accounting for more than three-quarters of mainland France, according to the national weather service, Meteo-France. Meteo-France also announced that the country broke its record for average maximum temperature that previously dated back to 2003, according to broadcaster BFMTV. Three new drowning incidents, including two fatalities, reportedly occurred across the country during the day, bringing the total heat wave-related drowning death toll to 42. The number of departments under the highest warning level increased from 58 a day earlier as extreme temperatures continued to grip the country for a ninth consecutive day. When departments under orange-level heat warnings are also included, more than 95% of France's mainland population is affected by the exceptional weather conditions.