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Metro: why it’s still so hot despite the end of the heatwave

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The Editor

© Jagoda Bartus / Le Bonbon

It's been over a week now that the temperatures have finally dropped back to a somewhat normal level in the capital. However, on some lines of the Paris public transport, the heat wave continues, with readings still above 30°. But how much longer will it last?

Since the beginning of the week, every morning it's the same question: how to dress today? With 13° in the morning, 26 in the afternoon, and the air conditioning at the office, it’s tricky to know where to turn. Especially if you’re forced to take the metro, where the heatwave seems to be ever-present. Our advice: layer up! It’s the best way to adapt to all situations.


Various Factors

Since May, France has been experiencing repeated heatwaves, which have a number of consequences on our daily lives. Among them are absolutely outrageous temperatures recorded in public transport, reaching over 50° in some buses! And if a return...the standard is currently in progress, in the metro, it’s not quite there yet, since peaks above 30° continue to be recorded.

A rather uncomfortable situation for users, who unfortunately do not have an immediate solution in the face of the growing factors. Indeed, on the lines — especially those without air conditioning — the thermostat refuses to lower due to residual heat, since the trains are stored underground, they cannot benefit from the nighttime coolness to bring the temperature down. The human factor also plays a role, with a crowded train quickly gaining 4 to 5°C. Finally, the metro itself generates heat (from the motor and brakes), which gets trapped in the tunnels and helps maintain the temperatures.


What solutions are there ?

For now, however, other than being patient, there are few options available to try to resolve the situation.

, especially on certain lines like 6 that combine manual ventilation with large windows and a section for air flow. However, RATP and Île-de-France Mobilités (IDFM) say they are working on a solution, especially with the replacement of the oldest trains with the metro of the future, the famous MF19. But alas, we have to wait until 2033 (and a few heatwaves) before they are equipped. In the meantime, preventive maintenance operations (changing filters, dusting off evaporators and condensers...) are carried out as long as the mercury allows, to maximize passenger comfort.