France will shift from intense heat to violent storms this weekend, according to forecasts from La Chaîne Météo published on July 22, 2026. Temperatures will reach up to 42 °C on Friday before a stormy degradation on Saturday, especially in the south.
The heat will peak on Friday with frequent highs between 36 and 39 °C in the Mediterranean regions and the Southwest, and possible peaks of 40 °C along the Garonne valley. Part of the north, up to the Paris basin, will reach nearly 30 °C.
On Saturday, a depression from the Atlantic will bring cooler air aloft, creating a clash of air masses. The first storms are expected in the afternoon from Languedoc to the Rhône via the Cévennes, then intensify in the evening and early night over a large southern half.
These storms may bring heavy rains of 30 to 60 mm, hail falls and wind gusts exceeding 80 to 100 km/h. La Chaîne Météo advises caution due to holiday departures and outdoor events. This degradation will not be enough to halt the historical drought.
