France's Emergency Heat System Pushed to Limits as Red Alerts Spread Across Half the Nation

Météo-France escalated 54 of 96 departments to red alert by June 23—triple the anticipated number. This maximum level triggers mandatory protocols: targeted outreach to vulnerable elderly, work restrictions, hospital mobilization. The scale tests coordination frameworks built after 2003's heatwave, which killed 15,000. Managing half the country under simultaneous maximum alert strains systems designed for localized crises.