France Heatwave Eases, but 10 Departments Remain on Orange Alert

In Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux, the drop in temperature is finally noticeable. In southeastern France, however, the heatwave is not over. Ten departments remain under an orange heat alert on Friday, July 17, while much of the country returns to conditions closer to the seasonal average.

The alert still covers Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Ardèche, Bouches-du-Rhône, both Corsican departments, Drôme, Gard, Hérault, Var and Vaucluse. The nights remain particularly difficult, with temperatures staying high and homes having little time to cool down.

The heat is easing unevenly across France

In northern and western France, daytime highs have fallen below 30°C. Paris is expected to reach around 28°C on Friday afternoon. Perpignan may still climb to 35°C, while Corsica continues to experience very warm nights.

This sharp regional difference explains why the orange heatwave alert remains in place in the southeast. A small fall in temperature does not immediately end a heatwave, especially after several consecutive days of intense heat.

Older people, babies, those with chronic illnesses and people working outdoors remain the most exposed. Drinking water regularly, closing shutters during the day and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest hours are still important, even when the sky feels less oppressive.

The gradual end of the heatwave in France will bring relief to many households, but the change in weather carries another risk. Thunderstorms remain possible in several areas, and after prolonged heat they can develop quickly and become locally severe.