Primalpine Climate in Orange: First Extreme Heat Wave of 2026 Peaks

From noon on Monday, June 22, the department of Alpes-Maritimes has officially been placed on orange alert for heatwave danger according to Météo-France’s classification. The warning will be in effect at least until the evening of Wednesday, June 24, inclusive, and according to forecasters, the heatwave may persist for the following days. This is the first serious alarm signal in the region this season, and authorities are urging residents and tourists to exercise maximum caution.

Temperature Apocalypse: from 32°C on the coast to 40°C inland

According to Météo-France data, in the coming days, thermometers will relentlessly rise:

On the coast (Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Menton), daytime highs will range from 32 to 37°C in the shade. However, due to the high humidity typical of the Mediterranean, the perceived temperature will be 3–5 degrees higher. In the foothills and inland valleys (Grasse area, Valbonne, Saint-Martin-du-Var), the air will warm up to +38…+40°C. The highest temperatures in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region could reach a record 40°C in the shade, which is 10–12 degrees above the climatic norm for late June. Nighttime temperatures are of particular concern. In coastal cities like Nice, the air will not cool below +26…+28°C, and in densely built-up neighbourhoods, it may reach +30°C. These “tropical nights” deprive the body of the opportunity to recover from the daytime heat and sharply increase the risks of heatstroke, especially among the elderly and young children.

According to meteorologist François Gourman from Météo-France, “this heatwave is characterized not only by daytime peaks, but also by an abnormally high minimum temperature, making it particularly dangerous for health”.

Schools Closed Across France: 845 Closed, 1800 Operating on Reduced Schedule

The heatwave has not only affected the Alpes-Maritimes, but also a significant part of the country. The Ministry of National Education reported that as of today, 845 schools and colleges are closed across France, and around 1800 educational institutions have switched to a modified schedule—shortening classes and releasing students earlier to avoid them being in stuffy classrooms during peak hours.

In the Alpes-Maritimes department, decisions on closure or schedule adjustments are made at the municipal level. For example, in Nice, all primary schools have been closed since Monday, and in Cannes, classes are only held until 11:00 in the morning. Authorities recommend parents to pick up children and take them home with air conditioning if possible, or send them to municipal “cool rooms” (salles fraîches) open in all major cities.

Official Recommendations: How to Survive the Orange Heatwave

The Prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes and the Regional Health Agency (ARS) have issued a detailed list of rules for behaviour during extreme heat:

Avoid going outside during the hottest hours—from 12:00 to 17:00. During this time, the ultraviolet index reaches 9–10 (extreme level). Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty—at least 1.5–2 litres a day. Avoid alcohol, coffee, and sweet fizzy drinks as they lead to dehydration. Stay in cool rooms with air conditioning or a fan. If there is no air conditioning at home, use damp towels and cool compresses. Pay special attention to elderly relatives, young children, and people with chronic illnesses (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory pathologies). Call them at least twice a day to make sure they are okay. Do not leave pets and children in parked cars—even for a few minutes, the temperature inside can exceed +50°C. Watch for signs of heatstroke: dizziness, nausea, severe headache, dry skin without sweat—immediately call emergency services (15 in France). In addition, due to extreme dryness in the region, a ban on campfires and open fires in forests and surrounding areas has been imposed—the risk of forest fires is considered “very high”. It is also recommended to limit lawn watering and car washing to conserve water.

Comparison with the 2003 Disaster: How Serious is the Situation?

According to Météo-France, the current heatwave in terms of intensity and duration may approach the tragic summer of 2003 when abnormal heat claimed about 15,000 lives in France. At that time, in some regions, the temperature remained above 40°C for several weeks, and the warning and emergency aid system was almost destroyed.

Since then, the country has established an effective warning system (including a four-level danger scale), opened “cooling centres” in cities, and established collaboration with volunteers. However, meteorologists warn: the current episode may be one of the strongest in the last 15 years, and its peak will come on Wednesday, when temperatures of +41°C are expected in some valleys of the Alpes-Maritimes.

The head of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur ARS, Dr. Philippe de Chassar, stated: “We are prepared, but each of us must be responsible. Our healthcare system is mobilized, but prevention and common sense are the best medicine”.

What’s Next? Forecast for the End of the Week

According to preliminary forecasts, the orange alert will remain at least until Wednesday. On Thursday, June 25, a slight easing of the heat is expected on the coast (up to +30…+32°C), however, inland temperatures will still exceed +35°C. By the weekend, a Mediterranean breeze may bring some relief, but according to meteorologists, full relief from the heat is still far off.

Residents and guests of the Côte d’Azur are strongly advised to keep up with updates on the Météo-France website and app, and to follow all government recommendations. Take care of yourself, your loved ones, and be attentive to those around you—on such days, solidarity and care save lives. 💙🌊