Heatwave Disrupts Train Traffic in France

Paris – 22.06.2026: An unusual heatwave has been paralyzing large parts of France for days and pushing train traffic to its limits. Météo-France has now placed 49 departments under the highest alert level, with another 40 on increased alert. The extreme heat is caused by a strong high-pressure system from North Africa, with temperatures ranging from 38 to 40 degrees Celsius, locally even up to 43 degrees, including in Bordeaux, Nantes, and Rennes.

Already on Saturday, June 20, a serious incident occurred in the Toulouse region: a Ouigo high-speed train experienced an electrical failure about one kilometer before Toulouse-Matabiau station and came to a stop. Passengers had to be evacuated at nearly 35 degrees outside temperature because the air conditioning in the train had failed. This event caused considerable uproar and highlighted the challenges posed by the heat to rail traffic.

Also on Sunday, June 21, delays occurred at Paris Gare Montparnasse due to technical problems related to the heat. Routes mainly affected were connections to southwestern France, such as TGV trains to Bordeaux, Lannion, and Brest, which arrived up to two and a half hours late.

The Fédération nationale des associations d’usagers des transports (Fnaut) criticizes the ongoing failures of air conditioning systems in Intercités trains and attributes them to outdated vehicles. These are not equipped to handle the increasing summer temperatures. According to the user association, there is apparently a lack of sufficient investment by the state and operators to modernize the existing rail network and carriages.

In light of the ongoing heat and the risk of further damage to the rail network, SNCF particularly recommends that older people and those with health preconditions postpone or avoid planned travels if possible. Passengers are asked to prepare well for the conditions and to follow the instructions provided by the transport company.

In addition to disruptions in train traffic, the heat is setting new temperature records nationwide. Météo-France confirms peak temperatures between 41 and 43 degrees this afternoon for several regions. Authorities urge the population to drink enough fluids especially during the hottest hours, stay in cool rooms, and avoid physical exertion.

These extraordinary weather conditions highlight how strongly infrastructure and public transport are being strained by climate change. Rail traffic faces the challenge of coping with higher heat levels in the future while ensuring safety and reliability. Developments in the coming days will show what adjustments are necessary to prevent such disruptions in the future.