Day 3360 (Thursday) 20th August 2026 

This Villa between Nice and Villefranche is where Sean Connery used to live.

and this is the fort in Mont Boron.

It was quite cloudy this morning but still very hot and Huw found lots of messages telling us to expect a stormy afternoon so we decided to be good and stayed at home. There was a huge cruise ship in the bay and the passengers were coming back and fore as usual. It’s always a real shame that the people on the ship don’t get to see our beautiful little town in all its glory.

This is a message from the mayor of Nice… 

Our department is under an orange alert for thunderstorms. A storm is expected this afternoon in the Alpes-Maritimes.
As a precaution, the city's parks and gardens are closed from noon onwards, and the command centre has been activated. Valleys and waterways are under increased surveillance.
I urge you to be cautious and to stay informed of the evolving situation.

This is an orange storm alert.

It says ‘strong winds, hail and gusts.’

And these are the warnings about what to do and what not to do…

 #OrangeAlert
 Thursday, August 20, 2026

 Météo-France has placed the #Var and #AlpesMaritimes departments under an orange alert for thunderstorms, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. The rain and flood warning remains yellow in both departments.
 The summary below includes the official bulletins published by Météo-France for both departments.
 In the #AlpesMaritimes, thunderstorms are expected both along the coast and inland.
 In the #Var, they will also affect the coast and the inland areas, with a higher risk in the east than in the west.
 These locally severe thunderstorms could bring:

• 40 to 60 mm of rain in less than an hour, or even more; • Gusts of wind near 80 km/h;

• Hail and intense lightning;

• Storm cells that may be slow-moving or moving successively over the same areas.
 Over the course of this event, rainfall totals could locally reach 100 to 120 mm, or even more.

A lull is expected in the first part of the night, before a likely resumption of storm activity during the second part of the night and Friday morning. Météo-France specifies that the intensity of this new sequence will need to be monitored and could lead to a further increase in the weather alert level.
 Exercise extreme caution. I will keep you informed of developments.

 STORM ALERT IN THE ALPES-MARITIMES REGION 
Particularly severe thunderstorms are expected until tomorrow. The peak of the storm is forecast for late tonight and early Friday morning.

To prevent damage and ensure your safety, here are some helpful tips to take now:
 Protect your outdoor spaces
Bring in garden furniture and any items that are vulnerable to wind. Don't forget to retract your awnings and parasols.

 Check your drainage
Clean your gutters, drains, and patio drains to minimise the risk of localised flooding.

 Protect your appliances
Unplug sensitive electrical equipment (routers, televisions, computers).

 Limit your travel
Avoid driving during periods of heavy rain and stay away from rivers and low-lying areas.

 Stay informed
Follow the situation on Mét-France and listen to the instructions of local authorities.
Take care everyone, and feel free to share this message! 

Here in Villefranche it was slightly windy and we had a few spots of rain but the storms were up in the mountain.

Despite the storms it is still really hot at night and I found this article about getting to sleep during a heatwave.

'Don't sleep naked' - How to get a good night’s sleep in a French heatwave.

Skipping pyjamas during a heatwave feels right, but sleep experts advise against it. Naked skin traps sweat, making you sticky and warm. Instead, wear loose, lightweight clothes made from natural fibers like cotton or linen to absorb moisture and cool your body as it evaporates. 

Managing Your Bedroom

Close shutters early: Keep windows, shutters, and blinds shut during the peak daytime heat to block hot air.

Create night airflow: Open windows only when the outside temperature drops lower than the indoor temperature.

Switch your bedding: Swap heavy duvets for thin, breathable 100% cotton sheets.

Turn off electronics: Unplug unused appliances and turn off lights that radiate hidden heat. 

Cooling Your Body

Take a lukewarm shower: Wash with tepid water before bed, and let the remaining moisture evaporate on your skin to cool down naturally.

Target pulse points: Cool your face, neck, wrists, and ankles with a damp cloth or a cool spray mist.

Use smart cooling tricks: Place a frozen bottle of water or an ice pack in front of your fan to circulate chilled air, or chill your pillowcases in the fridge beforehand.

Hydrate wisely: Drink enough water through the day, but avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol right before sleep.