One might have thought the intense summer heat was behind us, but high temperatures have returned to France this weekend. Climate change is making these late-summer heatwaves more common and severe. After a cooler start to the school year and recent storms, many believed autumn was on its way. However, temperatures have risen again, with forecasts predicting up to 30°C in Île-de-France and over 35°C, or even 38°C, in southern regions like Occitanie and the Rhône Valley. These temperatures could potentially break records for the month of September, according to meteorologist François Gourand from Météo-France. Meteorological autumn officially began on Tuesday, but Gourand notes that climate change is causing summer to extend beyond its traditional season. He explains that these late heat episodes are becoming more frequent and intense, which is one of the expected outcomes of global warming. In September 2023, the first-ever orange alert for heatwave risk was issued at the end of summer, and similar scenarios are being considered for parts of southern France this weekend. It is still unclear whether the heat will end by Saturday, Sunday, or early next week. However, Gourand says that temperature anomalies will be very pronounced. Even though days are getting shorter and nights longer, temperatures are expected to drop after sunset. The northern regions of France, such as the Manche, will experience milder conditions, with temperatures around 22 to 25°C. A heatwave is defined by specific temperature thresholds across the country, and Météo-France currently considers a full heatwave unlikely, though not impossible. This summer has been particularly extreme, with three heatwaves recorded in 2026, following a historic heatwave in May. Preliminary data from Santé publique France indicates that these unprecedented temperatures may have led to 7,300 excess deaths. The ongoing heat events highlight the growing impact of climate change on public health and the environment.