A significant southern France heatwave is gripping the region this weekend. Forecasters predict temperatures could soar to 40 degrees Celsius. This intense late-season warmth marks the country’s sixth such event for the year.
Parts of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie, and the Rhône Valley face the highest mercury readings. On Friday, five départements entered an orange heatwave alert. These included Aude, Hérault, Gard, Ardèche, and Drôme. This alert level remained in place for Saturday. Furthermore, an additional ten départements have received heightened yellow alerts.
Late September heatwaves are not uncommon, however, climate change is making them more frequent. They are also becoming more intense. Temperatures on Friday already peaked between 35C and 38C. Several monthly records were consequently broken.
After a brief dip on Saturday, the southern France heatwave is expected to intensify on Sunday. Local highs of 39C to 40C are anticipated in the southwest. This extreme heat will extend northward. Brittany, Normandy, and the Île-de-France region could see temperatures reach 30C to 32C.
The weather might become unsettled in the west. Thunderstorms and showers are possible in some areas. Subsequently, temperatures are expected to drop from the west starting Monday. Highs of 25C to 32C will still affect much of the country on Monday and Tuesday. Nevertheless, the heat will persist in the southeastern quarter, with temperatures up to 37C.
Longer-term forecasts suggest a showery period next week. After this, France is expected to remain warm and dry. This pattern should continue through to the end of the month.
