France braces for weekend heatwave as temperatures set to reach 35C
France is preparing for another spell of intense heat, with temperatures forecast to exceed 35°C in the south-west and approach 40°C in some inland areas.
France is preparing for a new spell of exceptionally hot weather this weekend, with temperatures expected to climb to 35C in parts of the south-west and potentially approach 40C in some inland areas.
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Forecasters say a high-pressure system extending from the Azores will bring hot air from Spain and North Africa across much of the country from Friday onwards.
The system is also expected to deliver clear skies and calm conditions, allowing temperatures to rise rapidly.
The hottest weather is forecast for Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine, where temperatures could exceed 35C by Sunday.
Elsewhere, much of western France is expected to experience conditions around 10C above seasonal averages.
The warm spell follows a brief midweek drop in temperatures and is expected to last until at least the middle of next week.
Meteorologists predict that thunderstorms could eventually break the heatwave, bringing cooler conditions by Wednesday or Thursday.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with heatwave alerts possible in several south-western departments if high daytime and night-time temperatures persist for several days.
The latest forecast comes as health officials continue to urge residents to take precautions during periods of extreme heat, while fire risk levels remain elevated across parts of southern France.