NEWS
Chikungunya cases on the rise - Chikungunya cases are rising sharply in southern France as the tiger mosquito spreads, with 23 locally transmitted cases in Vitrolles and 13 in Salon-de-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône. Authorities urge infected people to stay home, use repellents, and remove stagnant water, while mosquito-control operations are planned. The Var and Alpes-Maritimes departments are also under surveillance.
Vaucluse heatwave - The Vaucluse department is experiencing its fifth consecutive day of a heatwave, with temperatures nearing 40°C, especially in the north. The region remains on orange alert, and intense heat is expected until at least Saturday. Forecasters predict the heatwave will ease between Tuesday and Wednesday, though Monday could still see 36-38°C.
Car accident - A car accident has occurred on the 14th of August around 11:30am on the A8 motorway near Villeneuve-Loubet, heading towards Aix-en-Provence, leaving the vehicle overturned. One of three lanes was closed, causing about 3 km of traffic jams and a 7-minute delay. As of late morning, no injuries had been reported.
Put your gas bottles in the shade - With temperatures rising, experts are advising gas bottles containing butane or propane should be stored upright, in shade, away from temperatures above 50°C and at least 3 m from heat sources. Explosions from heat alone are extremely rare, but pressure build-up is the main risk, so safety valves are built in. Propane bottles must be stored outdoors in ventilated, shaded areas, and empty bottles should be returned promptly to collection points.
Nomadic Canua Island relocates to Malta - The floating nomadic private island Canua Island, criticized for promoting flashy, party-oriented tourism, will leave the French Riviera and relocate to Malta, reopening in 2026. The project faced strong local opposition, including a 20,000-signature petition, and lost political support despite initial backing. Its co-founder defended the concept as visionary, while opponents saw it as a symbol of unwanted mass tourism.
Early Côtes de Provence rosé harvest - Harvesting for Côtes de Provence rosé has begun earlier than mid-August, now common due to climate shifts, with some vineyards starting as early as the 11th of August. Growers harvest mostly at night to preserve freshness, control acidity, and prevent grapes from heating, using both machines and handpicking. Despite a small yield after three years of drought, grape quality is high, and careful timing and gentle pressing aim to produce top-quality rosés.
NEWS UPDATE
Strong winds lead to public areas' closure - Météo-France has issued a “strong wind” alert today for the Alpes-Maritimes with gusts up to 94 km/h and rough seas expected from late afternoon into the night. In Nice, the mayor ordered the closure of all parks, gardens, cemeteries, and the coastal path for safety reasons. The Castle Hill site is also closed, and the evening Castellada performance has been cancelled.
Yellow storms and flood alert - Météo-France has placed the Alpes-Maritimes and Var on yellow alert for storms and flood risk until 9pm, alongside an ongoing orange heatwave alert. Hail has already fallen in parts of both departments, with more storms expected, plus strong coastal winds up to 94 km/h. Temperatures feel as high as 36 °C on the Côte d’Azur and 39 °C in the Var, with very warm nights and no immediate cooling.
More communes in drought restrictions - The Alpes-Maritimes prefecture has tightened drought restrictions, with 30 communes now under “reinforced alert”, 25 more than at the end of July, and the entire department is on vigilance. These include tighter bans on watering, filling pools, and washing vehicles, with extra restrictions in reinforced-alert areas.
BUSINESS
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Washington could raise secondary tariffs on India depending on the outcome of Trump’s meeting with Putin in Alaska on Friday. Trump has already imposed a 50% tariff on India for buying Russian oil and weapons, .
And - School supply prices dropped 3.4% in supermarkets and 6.2% in specialist stores in July compared to last year, according to industry data, contrasting with consumer group UFC-Que Choisir’s reported 2% rise. Sales volumes rose 9.1%, bringing €131 million in revenue, with strong demand for folders, organisers, pencils, and premium pens. Back-to-school allowance payments of €423–€462 per child will be distributed from the 19th of August to support low-income families.
SPORTS
Football - Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma for £26m.
Rugby Union - Newcastle Red Bulls have signed flanker Tom Christie on a two-year deal from Super Rugby side Crusaders. The 27-year-old is a three-time Super Rugby winner with Crusaders having won the Pacific finals in three of the past four years.
Swimming - Swiss swimmer Noam Yaron is attempting to swim 180 km from Calvi to Monaco without leaving the water, surpassing 130 km despite rough seas, strong winds, and hallucinations. He has faced swollen tongue from seawater and imagined encounters but maintains steady progress with smooth resupply from support boats. Scientific teams accompanying him are also collecting plankton and microplastic samples during the crossing.
WEATHER
After a sunny start of the day on the coast clouds and thundery showers are expected this afternoon across the region. As strong winds blow, temperatures remain high, reaching 33 degrees in Nice, 34 in Toulon, 35 in Cannes and Marseille, and 36 degrees in Saint-Tropez while inland temperatures near 39 degrees.
Tonight, clear skies again with lows of 27 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly sunny with thundery showers in the inland areas of the Alpes-Maritimes accompanied by a gentle breeze and highs of 33 degrees.
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