Karmactive Staff
Violent storms swept across France on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, leaving two people dead, 17 injured, and causing widespread destruction from flooded streets to power outages affecting 110,000 homes.
The torrential downpour created an unexpected moment of drama inside the French National Assembly when water began leaking through the roof as Prime Minister François Bayrou addressed lawmakers during a debate on the Middle East.
“Have you noticed that it was raining?” Bayrou remarked, glancing up at the dome as water dripped into the chamber. Assembly Vice President Roland Lescure promptly suspended the session for about 15 minutes while firefighters assessed the damage and placed absorbent mats to contain the leak.
The sudden deluge transformed Paris boulevards into rivers, overturned outdoor café furniture, and toppled hundreds of trees across the capital. The Paris fire department responded to at least 40 reports of fallen trees, with firefighters being deployed to manage the immediate aftermath of the storm.
The human toll was devastating. A 12-year-old child died in Piquecos, in the southern department of Tarn-et-Garonne, after being struck by a falling tree while with family near the Aveyron River. In the northwestern department of Mayenne, a 59-year-old man was killed when his motorbike hit a tree that had fallen across the road. One person remains in critical condition, while another victim was reportedly struck by lightning.
Wind gusts reached extreme speeds across France, with measurements of 65-70 mph (105-113 km/h) in Paris, 71 mph (114 km/h) in Montauban, and 78 mph (126 km/h) in Bernay. The powerful “supercell” storm brought 2 inches (5 cm) of rain in just one hour to some areas. Météo-France, the national weather service, recorded over 40,000 lightning strikes during the 24-hour period, with dramatic lightning bolts illuminating iconic landmarks including the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
The storms caused significant transportation disruptions. Paris Orly Airport reported numerous flight cancellations and diversions, while localized flooding affected Charles de Gaulle Airport, where wind gusts of 53 mph (85 km/h) were recorded. Metro stations across the capital, including Alma-Marceau, Voltaire, and Porte de Champerret, were temporarily closed due to flooding.
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In southwestern France, hailstones measuring up to 5 cm (2 inches) in diameter caused extensive damage, particularly in the Dordogne region. More than 70 buildings suffered roof damage in the commune of Belvès alone. The agricultural sector faced significant losses, prompting the national farmers’ union to appeal for state compensation for “acres ravaged, animals killed, and farm buildings damaged.”
The severe weather came after a blistering heat wave that saw temperatures soar to 40°C (104°F) in some southeastern regions, creating what meteorologists describe as “atmospheric instability.” Tristan Amm, a forecaster with Météo-France, noted the heatwave was “remarkable both for its intensity and early arrival.”
While orange (tier-three) storm alerts have been lifted, yellow (tier-two) warnings remain active in parts of northeast and southeast France. The forecast indicates that extreme heat is expected to return over the weekend and into next week, with temperatures in Paris potentially reaching 30°C (86°F) by Saturday.
Emergency services responded to over 2,500 calls during the night of the storm. Recovery efforts are now underway across affected regions, though the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Climate scientists note that the rapid transition from extreme heat to violent storms is consistent with climate change patterns, which can increase atmospheric instability and lead to more frequent and intense weather events. The storm’s timing and intensity highlight growing concerns about climate volatility in Western Europe.
The storm’s dramatic impact on the National Assembly symbolized the broader disruption experienced across the country, as Deputy Maud Petit captured the moment on social media, posting: “It’s raining in the chamber. There’s water in Le Bourbon! I repeat: it’s raining in the chamber!”
As cleanup continues, residents in storm-affected areas are advised to remain cautious, with meteorologists warning that while immediate danger has passed, unsettled weather conditions may persist in the coming days.
