France heatwave: five southern departments under orange alert

France is facing a significant weather event as a heatwave arrives from the Iberian Peninsula, prompting Météo-France to issue orange alerts for several southern departments. Starting Friday, September 4, 2026, the departments of Ardèche, Aude, Drôme, Gard, and Hérault are under orange vigilance due to extreme heat. Temperatures in these areas are expected to reach between 36°C and 39°C, with some locations potentially hitting 40°C.

The heatwave is expected to persist through the weekend, particularly affecting the South-East and the Rhône Valley. While the southern half of the country experiences these high temperatures, the northern regions remain relatively cooler, with maximums generally staying below 35°C. This late-season heatwave follows an exceptionally hot summer that saw 53 days of heatwaves recorded between June and August.

In addition to the heat, high pollen concentrations are reported across much of the country. Five regions, including Île-de-France and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, are under red alerts for allergies due to high levels of ragweed and nettles. The combination of intense heat and high pollen counts is expected to impact public health across various regions.