Orange heatwave warning issued for Alpes-Maritimes and Var
The Alpes-Maritimes and Var will move onto an orange heatwave alert from Thursday, with temperatures approaching 40°C and wildfire risks remaining extremely high.
The Alpes-Maritimes and Var will be placed under an orange heatwave warning from midday on Thursday, as another spell of extreme temperatures settles over south-eastern France.
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According to Météo-France, daytime highs are expected to reach 34 to 35°C along the Var coastline and up to 40°C inland, while temperatures in the Alpes-Maritimes could climb to 38°C away from the coast.
Overnight conditions will bring little relief, with minimum temperatures forecast to remain as high as 26°C on parts of the Riviera.
The latest episode marks France's fourth heatwave of the summer, with forecasters expecting the warning to remain in place for several days and possibly into next week.
While there is a chance of isolated showers in parts of the Var and the Alpes-Maritimes on Friday and Saturday, no thunderstorms are currently forecast.
The warning comes as the heatwave shifts eastwards across France.
Temperatures are easing in the country's western regions, allowing alert levels to be lowered there, while conditions continue to intensify across the south-east and Corsica.
Authorities are also urging residents to remain vigilant due to the heightened wildfire risk, particularly after a series of major fires in recent weeks.
Despite the Gros Bessillon wildfire now being brought under control, the combination of high temperatures and dry conditions is expected to keep the risk at a very high level.