Broadcaster BFMTV reported that 48 departments were also under orange alert because of a high wildfire risk. It said the risk was considered very high in the Deux-Sevres and Haute-Garonne departments.
BFMTV also reported that train services in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region were suspended until Friday and would operate only in the morning and evening.
Education Minister Edouard Geffray told France 2 that about 3,500 schools were closed on Thursday, while 10,000 others had introduced adjusted schedules.
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire told TF1 that deaths had occurred in the capital but did not provide further details.
“Obviously, mortality is increasing, but it is up to health authorities to communicate on that,” Gregoire said.
According to the report, 43 people have died by drowning across France since June 18.
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