As the heatwave resurfaces in France (Hexagon), what are the anticipated heat peaks in the coming days?
Heatwave Continues to Sweep Across Southern France
A severe heatwave, initially affecting southern France, is continuing to spread northward, according to Météo-France. The alert, currently valid for the whole of Saturday, is expected to extend into Sunday, with temperatures remaining above 37°C across a large part of the south.
The nighttime temperatures in the targeted departments are expected to remain above 21°C for several days, a phenomenon known as a "tropical night". This ongoing heatwave, which began on Friday, August 8, is the second of the year 2025, following a scorching heatwave at the end of June.
From August 8 to August 10, 2025, southern France experienced an intense heatwave. Eleven departments in the southern half of France were targeted by an orange heatwave alert issued by Météo-France on August 8 at noon. By midnight, this number had increased to 28 departments.
On August 10, 46 central and southern departments were placed under an orange heatwave alert, covering more than half of mainland France. Temperatures often reached or exceeded 40°C, with peaks such as 42°C forecasted in Nîmes and 40°C in Perpignan. Departments including Hérault, Var, southern Ardèche, and Drôme were especially affected.
By August 11, the heatwave intensified, and 12 departments were upgraded to red alert, France's highest heat warning for exceptional heat. These included departments in the southwest such as Charente and Aude, where temperatures peaked at 43°C. The red alert covers extreme, prolonged heat posing serious health risks, allowing authorities to take emergency measures like canceling outdoor events or closing public venues.
Outside these highest alert departments, 41 other departments remained under orange alert, including areas from the Pyrénées-Atlantiques to Jura, and Charente-Maritime to Alpes-Maritimes, as well as Corsica.
Average afternoon temperatures of 38°C are expected in Millau (Aveyron), Brive-la-Gaillarde (Corrèze), Vienne (Isère), and Montélimar (Drôme), with local peaks of 40°C. The heatwave is expected to last for several days, with intensification and spread in the following days.
Residents and holidaymakers in the south of France will have to wait a little longer before temperatures drop below 35°C. Very high temperatures are expected from the Hautes-Pyrénées to the Isère, passing through the Tarn, Aveyron, and Ardèche. Temperatures are expected to reach 37°C and above in many areas on Saturday.
Hot air masses have been moving north from Portugal and Spain since the beginning of the week. Météo-France warned that the heat will tend to intensify and spread in the following days, including at the beginning of next week.
The heatwave alert for Sunday is not yet known, but widespread heat is expected across a large part of the south, with temperatures above 37°C from Gironde to Var and some areas exceeding 40°C. Further north, temperatures on Sunday will be slightly lower than on Saturday, but nighttime minimums will still remain above 21°C in many areas.
This is the 51st heatwave recorded in France since 1947. People are advised to take precautions, stay hydrated, and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day.
In the context of a persistent heatwave affecting France, further concerns are raised as environmental science predicts elevated temperatures in the field of French science, particularly in the southern regions. The ongoing heatwave, reminiscent of a tropical weather phenomenon, is expected to last for several more days, potentially exceeding 37°C across numerous departments.
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