France expands heatwave alert to 72 départements as extreme temperatures continue
Météo-France has extended its orange heatwave warning to 72 départements as temperatures continue to rise across much of the country.
French weather service Météo-France has extended its orange heatwave warning to 72 départements as the country's third major heatwave of the summer continues to intensify.
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Five additional départements were placed under the second-highest weather alert on Thursday, with temperatures expected to reach between 35°C and 39°C across much of the country.
Parts of the Mediterranean coast could see highs of 40°C to 41°C.
Several temperature records were broken on Wednesday, including 42.3°C in Fitou (Aude), 41.2°C in Canet-en-Roussillon (Pyrénées-Orientales) and 39.9°C in Marignane (Bouches-du-Rhône).
Authorities have also warned of unusually warm nights, with temperatures in some Mediterranean areas remaining above 25°C, offering little relief from the daytime heat.
The prolonged hot weather has significantly increased the risk of wildfires.
Météo-France has placed 47 départements on high wildfire alert and seven on the highest, red-level alert.
Forecasters expect the heatwave to continue through the weekend and into next week, with further weather warnings possible as the extreme temperatures spread north and east across France.