News
Drought worsens in the Alpes-Maritimes - The drought in Alpes-Maritimes has worsened with 25 more towns now under reinforced water restrictions, bringing the total to 30. River levels have dropped by nearly 90% since June. Watering gardens is banned, beach showers are closed, and limits apply to golf courses, car washing, and private pools. Authorities cite persistent heat and lack of rain since October 2024 as the cause and have urged everyone to conserve water.
Heatwave to hit France over August 15th weekend – Meanwhile, after a brief break, intense heat is returning, with temperatures expected to top 40°C in southwest France on today and over the weekend. Météo-France has issued orange heatwave alerts for 80 departments, with highs above 35°C across much of southern France. The heatwave will peak between 15-16 August before storms and cooler weather is expected to arrive next week.
Mediterranean faces unprecedented Marine heatwave – And it’s not just the air which is heating up, the Mediterranean Sea is experiencing a rare marine heatwave, with surface temperatures exceeding 30°C, that’s over 5°C above normal. This extreme heat threatens marine ecosystems, including seagrass and tuna, and impacts biodiversity. Temperatures may reach new highs in the coming days.
Spike in violent watch thefts in Saint-Tropez – In other news Saint-Tropez has seen a rise in violent luxury watch thefts this summer, with 23 incidents recorded since mid-June, more than last year. Three armed robberies have also occurred between Saint-Tropez and Ramatuelle. Authorities have deployed 40 extra riot police to patrol tourist areas. Locals say fears of theft are affecting customer behaviour and the town’s atmosphere.
Swimmer bitten by fish at Cannes beach - A man has been bitten by a fish at the Bijou Beach in Cannes, prompting a warning but no serious danger. The bite, likely from a triggerfish caused heavy bleeding. Lifeguards quickly treated the wound, and although the ambulance was called, the injury was not deemed an emergency. Experts say these bites, caused by fish with very strong teeth, are becoming more common due to rising sea temperatures but are painful rather than dangerous.
Remembering Catherine Ségurane, Nice’s heroine - On the 15th of August 1543, Catherine Ségurane, a local washerwoman, famously defended Nice during a siege by French and Ottoman forces, using a laundry beater as a weapon. Though her story’s is debated, she remains a symbol of courage and local pride. Her monument and various local sites honour her legacy, and she is celebrated every year in the city on this day.
Fireworks – Finally, as part of the Assumption Day celebrations, fireworks will light up the skies across the Alpes-Maritimes from 14 to 17 August, depending on the town. While no displays are planned in Nice itself, many nearby municipalities will host evening shows from Thursday to Sunday. Weather permitting, locals and visitors are encouraged to enjoy the festive displays throughout the region
Sport
Football – Premier League action kicks off tonight with Liverpool at home to Bournemouth. Kick off is at 9pm French time. Tomorrow lunchtime Aston Villa play Newcastle, kick off is at 1.30pm French time.
Meanwhile, here in Monaco, Paul Pogba took part in a group training session with AS Monaco for the first time on Thursday. After two years away from the pitch, the 32-year-old World Cup winner warmed up with his teammates before continuing his individual rehabilitation programme. His return to competitive play is hoped for October.
Tennis - World number one Jannik Sinner has stormed into the Cincinnati Open semi-finals.
Rugby - Wales winger Louis Rees-Zammit is returning to rugby union, signing with Bristol Bears for the 2025–26 Premiership season.
Snooker - Ronnie O'Sullivan recovered from 5-3 down to edge out Kyren Wilson 6-5 and secure a place in the Saudi Arabia Masters semi-finals. The seven-time world champion, who hasn’t won a ranking event in 19 months, produced key breaks of 110 and 118 to win three consecutive frames and complete a second successive comeback.
Business
The UK economy grew by 0.3% between April and June, beating expectations but slowing from 0.7% in the previous quarter. Growth was driven by the services and construction sectors, helped by dry weather and strong demand in areas like IT services and healthcare. However, business investment fell by 4%, and retail growth remained weak. The UK’s Chancellor Rachel Reeves welcomed the figures but said more needs to be done to ensure growth benefits everyone.
The US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned Washington may increase secondary tariffs on India, depending on the outcome of President Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The US has already imposed 25% tariffs on India for buying Russian oil and weapons, with a new 50% tariff set to take effect on August 27. These measures come amid strained India-US relations over Delhi’s increased imports of cheap Russian crude.
And - Kodak, the 133-year-old company famous for revolutionising photography, has warned it may not survive due to mounting financial difficulties. In a report shared by CNN, Kodak revealed it owes around $500 million in debt and expressed “serious doubts” about its ability to continue operating. Today, Kodak still produces film and chemicals for the cinema industry, but its future remains uncertain.
Weather
Clear skies and sunshine as the heatwave continues across our region today. Expect highs between 32 and 38 degrees Celsius, with hazy sunshine and light winds in Monaco, Nice, Saint-Tropez, and Cannes. This evening going down to 26 degrees.
The outlook for the weekend, remaining hot with possible thunderstorms inland which are expected to reach the coast by Sunday lunchtime.
Sunrise 06.34am
Sunset 08.33pm
Weather elsewhere
Toulouse 40° sunny, Brussels 29° sunny, Liverpool 21° sunny intervals.
Beach Weather
Today along the French Riviera, including Monaco, Nice, and Saint-Tropez, you can expect hazy sunshine with highs around 32°C (89–90°F) and sea temperatures near 24°C. However, an orange heatwave warning is in effect, so it’s important to stay hydrated, avoid the midday sun, wear sunscreen and protective clothing, and take breaks in the shade or indoors to avoid heat-related issues while enjoying the beach.
The drought in the Alpes-Maritimes has worsened with 25 more towns now under reinforced water restrictions, bringing the total to 30. River levels hav...
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Orange-level heatwave warnings remain in effect today for the Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments. While high temperatures are expected, storms could ...
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French health authorities have identified 21 cases of listeriosis, including two deaths, possibly linked to pasteurised cheeses from the Chavegrand da...
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The heatwave gripping the south-east France is showing no signs of easing, with an orange heatwave alert extended for the Alpes-Maritimes and Var this...
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