Orange Alerts Issued for Thunderstorms Across 16 Departments in Southern France

Météo-France has issued an orange weather alert for thunderstorms affecting 16 departments in southern France on August 24, 2026. The alert began at 2 PM for the Gers and Lot-et-Garonne departments, followed by the inclusion of seven additional departments—including Allier, Cantal, Puy-de-Dôme, Gard, Hérault, Bouches-du-Rhône, and Var—joining the previously alerted Haute-Garonne, Tarn-et-Garonne, Lot, Dordogne, Corrèze, Tarn, and Aveyron from 3 PM onward.

Authorities warn of severe weather conditions with powerful wind gusts reaching up to 120 km/h and the potential for tornado-like phenomena. In addition to the intense winds, hailstorms and heavy rainfall—up to 50 mm within one hour—are also expected. The forecaster has not excluded the possibility of extending the orange vigilance to neighboring departments, including areas in Vendée and along the Mediterranean basin.

This significant thunderstorm event marks a deterioration of weather over a broad southern French region, spanning from the western Massif Central to the Southeast. The alerts aim to prepare residents and local authorities for potentially disruptive conditions related to the storms.