Poitiers recorded its warmest night ever during the period from Sunday, June 21, to Monday, June 22, 2026 [3].
This record highlights the intensifying nature of European heatwaves, where cities struggle to cool down overnight. When nighttime temperatures remain high, the human body cannot recover from daytime heat, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths.
Météo France measured the official nighttime temperature at 24.6°C [1]. A reporter from Franceinfo said the figure represents a historical record for the city [1].
The extreme heat created significant temperature disparities across the urban landscape. Météo France said the temperature in the city center reached 36.6°C, which was 12°C higher than the temperature recorded in the municipal park [2].
Local authorities took emergency measures to protect residents from the heat. Poitiers City Hall said the municipal park was kept open throughout the night to provide a cool refuge for citizens [1].
This event is part of an exceptional heatwave that prevented temperatures from dropping during the night. Officials said these levels had never been measured previously in the region [2].
“The night in Poitiers reached 24.6°C, a historical record for the city.”
The failure of nighttime temperatures to drop, known as the urban heat island effect, exacerbates the danger of heatwaves. By recording a record high of 24.6°C overnight, Poitiers demonstrates how urban centers are becoming increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather, necessitating the use of public green spaces as critical emergency infrastructure for public health.
