A jam-packed French prison suffers intense heat wave, described as intolerable conditions.
In the sweltering heat of France's ongoing heatwave, overcrowded prisons are facing unprecedented challenges. The mercury is expected to soar, with temperatures reaching 40°C in some areas, making life unbearable for inmates[2].
The Seysses detention center near Toulouse, for instance, is grappling with these harsh conditions. The facility, designed to hold 160 individuals, currently houses over 320 detainees[1]. The women's section, built for 40 people, is now accommodating 80[1].
The detainees at Seysses have voiced their discomfort, with one stating that the 38-degree heat makes the walls absorb the heat and there is condensation[1]. The library and gym, poorly ventilated with tiny windows and a single fan, offer little respite[1]. The asphalt courtyard provides no reprieve during the heatwave[1].
The heatwave has also led to increased tensions, with the slightest annoyance sparking fights[1]. Both guards and inmates are concerned about the impact of the heat on security, as fights are becoming more frequent with rising temperatures[1].
Mist sprayers are not due to be installed until next summer at the detention center[1]. In the meantime, prison staff are distributing free water, fans, and hats to the most vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and those with health issues[1].
The inmates, however, have expressed a desire for more ventilation or a larger cell, but not for air conditioning[1]. The workout room at the detention center gets very hot quickly when there are many people[1].
The situation at Seysses is not unique. Across France, particularly in the southwestern regions, prisons are facing severe health risks due to extreme heat in overcrowded facilities, where ventilation and cooling options are often insufficient[1].
This compounded health crisis is a concern for public health experts, who warn of the increased risks of heat stroke, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses within prisons[1]. The broader environmental stress, including forest fires and water use restrictions, indirectly pressure prison systems' capacity to manage the crisis, highlighting systemic challenges linking climate impacts to institutional care[3].
Authorities have issued red heat alerts in multiple departments, with the government calling for vigilance and urging affected populations—including vulnerable groups like prisoners—to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen dehydration[2].
As Europe braces for more frequent heatwaves due to humanity's emissions of greenhouse gases, the urgent need for targeted interventions inside prisons to protect vulnerable incarcerated populations during such extreme weather events becomes increasingly apparent[3].
References:
[1] Le Monde (2025). "Les prisons françaises subissent la chaleur : les détenus luttent contre les conditions insupportables." [2] Meteo France (2025). "Météo France prévoit une chaleur extrême pour la fin de semaine." [3] The Guardian (2025). "Climate change is making heatwaves more frequent and dangerous, experts warn."
- The increasing frequency of extreme heatwaves, such as the current one in France, exacerbates health risks for the incarcerated population, particularly in overcrowded facilities like the Seysses detention center.
- Environmental science experts warn of the potential hazards of heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke and dehydration, in prisons during periods of severe heat, as climate change makes heatwaves more common.
- To mitigate the impact of heatwaves on prison conditions, public health professionals suggest addressing systemic challenges, such as insufficient ventilation, increasing cooling options, and improving overall environmental health and wellness within prison facilities.
