Atmospheric heat up to 40°C and storms on the Côte d'Azur

On 13 August 2026 the Alpes-Maritimes department is under an orange meteorological alert for heat, and meteorologists expect storms in mountainous areas in the afternoon.

Heat continues to build

Alpes-Maritimes and Var are among 80 French departments for which Météo-France has declared an orange heatwave alert from 13 to 15 August 2026 (franceinfo). Air temperatures are rising locally to 37°C, and in parts of Var up to 40°C. Menton is expected to see around 34°C, Antibes 36°C, and in mountain communes such as Rocquebillière and Saint-Martin-du-Var up to 37°C.

This is already the fifth episode of intense heat this summer — according to Météo-France, it should ease by Saturday.

Storms in the afternoon

From 13 to 14 August a yellow vigilance for storms is in effect in Alpes-Maritimes and Var, along with six other departments in the southeast — storm cells are expected mainly in the Haut-Var and mountainous areas (franceinfo). The coastal strip is expected to remain virtually unaffected.

Recommendations for residents and tourists

In view of the extreme conditions, experts recommend:

• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during peak hours.
• Drink more water and avoid alcohol.
• Be cautious during storms, especially in mountainous areas.

Similar conditions have already been recorded in the region this summer — read about the yellow alert for heat and storms in July and about the fourth heatwave that began on 28 July.

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Photo: AXP Photography / Pexels