France Heatwave: Should Schools Close During Extreme Heat?

On Monday, June 22, temperatures exceeded 40°C across much of Ille-et-Vilaine, prompting the closure of approximately 40 schools. While the Prefect delegated closure decisions to local mayors, the city of Rennes closed 17 schools starting Tuesday and Wednesday due to aging infrastructure, while Vannes and Nantes ordered the closure of all school establishments.

Why did Rennes change its school closure policy?

Rennes officials initially planned to keep all schools open to ensure childcare for families. The municipality reversed this decision Monday afternoon following staff alerts and the intensity of the heat.

The city announced the total or partial closure of 17 schools for Tuesday and Wednesday. Officials stated that aging infrastructure in these buildings could not guarantee the safety of the students.

Did You Know? In La Chapelle-des-Fougeretz, teaching staff used survival blankets to cover windows in an attempt to lower indoor temperatures.

How did other cities in the West respond?

Vannes and Nantes took more radical measures by ordering the immediate closure of all school establishments. According to the mayor of Nantes, this approach provided a clear and uniform vision for the coming days.

To support parents without childcare solutions, the city of Nantes established four emergency reception sites across its urban area.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the contrasting responses between Rennes and Nantes highlight the difficult trade-off between maintaining essential childcare services and managing the immediate health risks posed by inadequate building climate control during extreme weather.

What were the conditions inside open classrooms?

Students and teachers in schools that remained open Monday faced severe conditions. One teacher reported that temperatures reached 33°C in some classrooms, leading to cases of fainting.

Up to 40°C Expected in Rennes and Redon This Monday, June 22! 🌡️

Because temperatures continued to rise, staff had to rely on improvised solutions to keep rooms habitable.

What may happen next?

Further closures could occur if temperatures remain above safety thresholds. Municipalities may be forced to evaluate long-term infrastructure upgrades to prevent similar safety risks during future heatwaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were some schools in Rennes closed starting Tuesday?
The city determined that aging infrastructure in 17 schools could not ensure student safety during the heatwave.

How many schools were closed in the department on Monday morning?
Approximately 40 schools were closed across the department.

What measures did Nantes take for parents?
The city of Nantes set up four emergency childcare sites for parents who had no other options.

Should aging school infrastructure be the primary factor in deciding emergency closures during extreme weather?