France battles heatwave and wildfires. Important warning for truck drivers
France is struggling with a wave of extreme heat and wildfires, while the highest level of weather alert is in force across most of the country. Drivers travelling through France should be prepared for smoke, sudden drops in visibility and possible disruptions on routes.
France is under the highest weather alert level due to extreme heat and forest fires. According to information valid as of 24 June 2026, a red alert, the highest warning level, covered most of the country. The situation is particularly important for drivers and carriers operating transport through France or to French recipients. A new temperature record was recorded the day before. Near Bordeaux, the maximum temperature in the shade exceeded 44 degrees Celsius. Such high temperatures mean not only difficult working conditions for drivers, but also a higher risk of vehicle failures, tyre problems and faster fatigue behind the wheel.
An additional threat comes from forest fires that have broken out in the country due to high temperatures and dry weather. In areas affected by fires, drivers should expect smoke and a sudden deterioration in visibility on the roads. This may lead to slowdowns, local disruptions and, in extreme cases, closures of road sections by the services.
Road users are advised to prepare properly for the journey. Drivers should take a supply of drinking water and food and make sure they have enough fuel. In road transport, it is also worth monitoring weather and traffic updates on an ongoing basis, as the situation around wildfires can change very quickly.
A red weather alert is also in force in western Germany. This means that disruptions caused by the heatwave may affect not only routes through France, but also transport operations through the western German federal states.
Hazard map
