Orange Heatwave Alert Activated in Five Southern France Departments Amid Record Temperatures

Five departments in southern France have been placed under an orange heatwave alert starting Friday, September 4, 2026, at noon, according to Météo-France. The affected departments include Ardèche, Aude, Drôme, Gard, and Hérault, where temperatures are expected to soar between 36°C and 39°C, particularly in the South-West and the Rhône Valley. This intense heatwave is forecasted to persist until at least Sunday across the southern half of the country, especially in the Southeast, with potential monthly heat records likely to be set. Nighttime temperatures will also remain high, ranging from 19°C to 23°C in Mediterranean areas, while other regions remain on yellow alert.

Specifically in the Drôme department and the municipalities of Enclave des Papes (Grillon, Richerenches, Valréas, and Visan), the alert is escalating from yellow to orange on September 4 at noon. Temperatures in Drôme are projected to reach 38°C on Friday afternoon, not descending below 20°C overnight. Authorities advise residents to take precautions by keeping homes cool through closing windows and shutters during the day and ventilating at night. They recommend refreshing frequently by wetting the face and forearms, spending 2 to 3 hours in cool public spaces such as cinemas or libraries, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and checking regularly on vulnerable individuals.

These measures come as a surge of hot air from the Maghreb drives the heatwave. Public safety advisories highlight the need for vigilance to manage health risks posed by such sustained high temperatures, including potential heat-related illnesses. The alert covers a significant geographic area and signals an intense weather event as summer heat persists into early September in southern France.