As of May 25, 2026, Météo-France has issued an orange heatwave vigilance for 12 departments in southern and central France, including the Rhône Valley, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, and parts of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. The alert, effective from midday, warns of temperatures reaching 34-36°C, with local peaks up to 38°C in some areas.
The affected departments are: Ain, Allier, Ardèche, Cantal, Drôme, Isère, Loire, Puy-de-Dôme, Rhône, Savoie, Haute-Savoie, and Vaucluse. Météo-France notes that this is an early-season heatwave, with temperatures 8-10°C above seasonal norms.
Authorities advise residents to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours (12:00-16:00), and check on vulnerable individuals. The alert is expected to last until at least May 26, with possible extension.
