Heatwave eases across most of France as storms move in
France's record-breaking June heatwave is expected to ease across much of the country as cooler Atlantic air brings thunderstorms and lower temperatures.
France's record-breaking June heatwave is expected to ease across most of the country from Sunday as cooler Atlantic air replaces the hot Saharan air mass that has driven days of extreme temperatures.
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Forecasters said the heatwave would effectively come to an end across around three-quarters of France, although temperatures will remain above seasonal averages.
Highs of around 30C are forecast in Paris, 33C in Toulouse and 27C in Lille.
The biggest drop in temperatures will be across western and central France, where afternoon highs are expected to fall by as much as 10C.
However, eastern regions, including around Lyon, could still approach 40C before thunderstorms develop.
The arrival of cooler air is also expected to bring severe thunderstorms across parts of the country, with warnings of large hail, torrential rain, damaging winds of up to 100km/h and localised flash flooding.
By Monday, the heatwave should have ended across eastern France, although hot and humid conditions are expected to persist.
The Mediterranean coast is likely to remain the hottest part of the country, with temperatures of 35C to 40C forecast from Roussillon to Provence.
Meteorologists have also warned that strengthening Mistral and Tramontane winds will significantly increase the risk of wildfires along the Mediterranean coast during the coming week.
For most of France, however, next week is expected to bring more typical summer weather, with cooler nights and daytime temperatures generally ranging between 25C and 34C.