Road workers in southwestern France struggle in extreme heat

Road workers in Bordeaux say soaring temperatures during an unusually early French heatwave are making outdoor labor increasingly difficult and dangerous. Employers are adjusting schedules and providing extra water to help workers cope with the extreme conditions.

Reuterss

28 May 2026 at 11:38:32

A person shelters under an umbrella outside Notre-Dame Cathedral amid a severe heat wave in Paris, France, May 26, 2026.

Tom Nicholson/Reuters

Workers in Bordeaux said it was difficult to work in extreme heat on Thursday (May 28), as temperatures rose to some of the highest levels in the country during an unusually early heatwave.

Road workers said they felt drained as they worked under direct sun, facing risks such as dehydration and heat exhaustion.

“It was very difficult, very difficult. There was the heat from the engines, the heat from the equipment, and no air.” said Henri Visse, a road worker.

Temperatures are expected to climb to 36 degrees Celsius (96.8 degrees Fahrenheit) in Bordeaux, well above seasonal averages amid a national heatwave that broke records for the month of May.

To cope with the heat, roadwork companies have decided to adapt working conditions during extreme heat, including adjusting work hours and providing employees with water.

"It's true that it's worrying because it's quite early - it's May. So, with heat like this in May, I don't know what next year will be like," said Thierry Ducuing, another road worker.

Production: Clotaire Achi, Lauren Bacquie/Reuters