A heatwave is gripping southwest France, with temperatures reaching up to 43°C. The national weather authority, Météo-France, placed 12 departments on red alert on Monday, August 11, 2025, the highest level of heat warning. The heat has intensified the risk of wildfires. Hundreds of firefighters are guarding a massive blaze in the Aude department that has already scorched 16,000 hectares. Although the flames are under control, officials warn that the fire will not be fully extinguished for weeks due to smoldering hotspots. This is France’s second heatwave of the summer and is expected to last all week.