Southern France is expected to experience a late-season heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 30°C forecast to persist for several days as autumn approaches. According to Météo-France, this heatwave is unusually late for the season, following an exceptionally hot summer in 2026. The high-pressure system, or anticyclone, is expected to bring prolonged warmth to the region, with temperatures in the Southwest reaching up to 30°C in cities like Toulouse and Mont-de-Marsan on Sunday, and 29°C in Bordeaux. By Monday, areas such as Montpellier and Perpignan could see temperatures climb to 32°C, marking a significant deviation from typical September conditions. The heatwave is expected to last much of the following week, with temperatures remaining above 30°C in the South for most of the week. In contrast, northern regions of France will see more moderate temperatures, with cities like Rouen, Lille, and Strasbourg experiencing highs of no more than 22°C and 20°C, respectively. Paris is expected to reach a maximum of 24°C on Wednesday afternoon. While late-season heat episodes are not new, Météo-France notes that they are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. Heatwaves now occur both earlier and later in the year, with several recorded after August 15 since 2001. This heatwave follows an extraordinary summer in 2026, which saw average temperatures 3.6°C above normal, making it the hottest on record in France since measurements began in 1900. The summer included three major heatwaves, totaling 53 days of extreme heat, with nearly the entire country experiencing temperatures of 35°C or higher. September has already seen temperatures 4 to 5°C above seasonal norms, with maximum temperatures frequently exceeding 35°C in the southern half of the country, reaching 40°C in some areas. The high temperatures are being exacerbated by a persistent drought. Since early September, rainfall has been minimal across France, despite some relief from rains at the end of August. These rains were not enough to reverse the drying trend, and Météo-France reports that the national soil drought indicator is at an unprecedented level for mid-September in many regions. The combination of extreme heat and drought is raising concerns about the impact on agriculture, water resources, and public health in the region.