An Orange Alert for Storms on the French Riviera has been issued today, Thursday 20 August 2026. UPDATE: France Meteo has issued an Orange Alert for Storms and Rains/Floods between 02:00 and 08:00 in the early hours of Friday morning, 21 August 2026. The weather bureau says thunderstorms moving in from the Mediterranean will reach the coast bringing intense and heavy rainfall. “While the entire area will see rain, storm cells will be more active along the coast. Local rainfall totals could reach up to 100mm during this event. Intense lightning, strong gusts, and a risk of hail are also possible beneath active storm cells. Please exercise caution!” said the Meteo.
Orange and Yellow Alerts on the French Riviera
Météo-France has placed the Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments under the orange weather warning for thunderstorms from 13:00 to 20:00. The rain and flooding warning remains yellow in both departments.
The region can expect heavy rainfall with hail and strong winds also possible.
Heavy rainfalls are expected along the coast and inland areas in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var regions, with a greater risk expected in the east of the Var department than in the west.
According to Météo-France’s official bulletin, the storms may locally severe and bring:
- a total of 40 to 60 mm of rain in less than an hour, possible more
- 80km/hr gusts of wind
- hail and intense lightning
- storm cells that “may remain almost stationary or repeatedly pass over the same areas”
The French weather bureau said rainfall totals could reach 100 to 120mm or more.
According to Meteo Cote d’Azur: “Conditions are expected to ease during the first part of the night, before thunderstorms probably return later in the night and on Friday morning. Météo-France says the intensity of this new wave will need to be closely monitored and could lead to the warning level being raised again.”
Orange Alert: Recommended Behaviour
The Alpes-Maritimes prefecture encourages people in the region to adopt appropriate behaviour and stay informed before venturing outdoors this afternoon. “Remain vigilant and stay informed about the evolving situation,” said the department. Here are some guidelines to make sure you stay safe:
- Limit your journeys.
- Don’t take shelter under an umbrella, beneath trees or against a wall.
- Never touch electrical wires that have fallen to the ground.
- Secure any belongings that could be damaged.
- Take shelter in a solid building or, if necessary, inside your vehicle.
- Avoid outdoor activities and trips to the mountains, forests or areas near rivers and streams.
What do the French weather alert colours mean?
Météo-France uses four colours for its weather warning levels. The colours are (in order of low to highest risk): green, yellow, orange and red. If it’s orange or red, travel and outdoor activities may be restricted, and it’s recommended that you check the latest weather updates before heading out.
Cannes is prepared for storms
Cannes mayor David Lisnard said that for the past couple of weeks, Cannes has been preparing for the severe weather that was expected at the end of summer.
He said “we have been treating the ditches on the higher ground of the city (earlier than usual, as a preventative measure). The street cleaning teams have also carried out additional cleaning of the stormwater drains. Sensitive areas have been monitored since the beginning of August. These areas are being inspected again this morning.”
Mr Lisnard said rain is expected in Cannes this afternoon, followed by a “more violent episode” tomorrow morning, with heavy showers, gusts of wine and a local risk of hail.
Teams from the City of Cannes and Greater Cannes area have been mobilised and preventive operations, including clearing waterways and stormwater drains, are underway.
“The waterways were inspected by teams yesterday and again this morning, and they are clear,” said the mayor.
He explained that after a long period without rain, the return of rainfall requires increased vigilance as “very dry soils absorb sudden and intense rainfall less effectively, thus promoting surfacerunoff.”
Locals and visitors to the region are advised to follow updates on their local town’s social networks.
All Alps-Maritimes parks are closed and some events cancelled or postponed
Department 06 has announced the closure of all departmental nature parks until Meteo-France lifts the orange alert, to “ensure the safety of all visitors in the face of the risks associated with weather conditions”.
Riviera towns such as Menton and Antibes have announced that parks, gardens and cemeteries are closed, swimming in the sea is forbidden, and evening markets have been cancelled.
Antibes’ townhall has also cancelled the final fireworks display that was scheduled for this evening in Juan-les-Pins, while a Queen Tribute concert that was due to be held tonight in Theoule-sur-Mer has been postponed. A new date for the show will be announced.
