Météo-France launches more precise vigilance maps within departments

Since 1 September 2026, Météo-France has been offering a more efficient weather monitoring system. The new maps allow the precise identification of areas exposed to violent winds, floods, thunderstorms and snow-verglas within the same department. Previously, only one level of vigilance was attributed to the entire department.

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Who is concerned

All inhabitants of hexagonal France and Corsica, including newcomers. The Overseas is not concerned. Fine zoning is only applied when the forecasts allow identification of areas at risk with sufficient certainty.

What to do

Check the maps on the Weather-France Vigilance site: select your department from the drop-down list to the right of the map or click directly on the map, then open the thematic map of the desired phenomenon (wind, rain-flood, thunderstorms, snow-verglas). The maps are updated at least 2 times a day, at 6 h and at 16 h, and more often if necessary. In orange alert, follow the safety instructions issued by the authorities.

Official sourceService-Public.frMétéo-France propose de nouvelles cartes de vigilance plus précises à l'intérieur des départementsOfficial source ↗

Background

So far, a single level of vigilance has covered the entire department, even if the risk was only a part of the territory. From now on, Météo-France distinguishes the areas where the risks are greatest: for example, during a storm, coastal municipalities can be placed at a higher level than the rest of the department. This development concerns hexagonal France and Corsica; in the overseas regions zoning arrangements remain unchanged.

Why it's important

To know precisely whether its municipality is concerned allows to adopt the right preventive behaviour and not to ignore real risks such as floods or ice. This additional information also helps the authorities and relief services to target their actions. The inhabitants of the most exposed areas are thus better informed about the situation.

What Changes

Since 1 September 2026, risk levels vary within a department: the main map still shows the highest level for the entire department, while maps dedicated to each phenomenon show finer areas.

Useful details

Four levels of vigilance: green (no special vigilance), yellow (normal phenomenon requiring special attention), orange (dangerous phenomenon expected, follow the instructions), red (exceptional and very dangerous phenomenon, absolute vigilance required).
Maps by phenomenon: Wind (violent wind and storms), Flood rain (high precipitation, runoff or flooding), Thunderstorms (high rain, hail, gusts), Snow-verglas (snowy or icy events disrupting movement).
Detailed maps are not displayed by default on the national map: a thematic map must be selected to see the sectors concerned.
The maps are updated at least 2 times a day, at 6 h and at 16 h, with more frequent updates if the situation so requires.
A PDF document can be generated from Vigilance's website.
From the summer of 2027, the scheme should be extended to include heat and cold, taking into account the specificities of mountain departments and coastal areas.

Terms to know

Vigilance météorologique: Météo-France alert system based on a color scale (green, yellow, orange, red) indicating the level of weather hazard.
Département: French administrative district, territorial division unit.
Neige-verglas: The phenomenon of snow or thin ice layer on the ground, making travel difficult.