Severe thunderstorms to hit parts of France
Forecasters are warning of severe thunderstorms across parts of France as the heatwave begins to ease.
France is bracing for severe thunderstorms on Thursday as the country's heatwave begins to ease, with forecasters warning of large hail, torrential rain and wind gusts of up to 100 km/h.
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Around 15 departments have been placed on orange alert for storms, while dozens more remain under yellow warnings.
The greatest risk is expected from the Pays de la Loire through central and eastern France, as well as parts of southern France, where powerful storm systems could develop during the afternoon.
Although temperatures are starting to fall across much of the country, 31 departments remain on orange heatwave alert, with highs of up to 38°C still forecast in parts of the south-east.
Forecasters expect the heat to continue easing in northern regions, while the Mediterranean area is likely to stay exceptionally hot into the weekend.