Extreme heat returns to southern France

Extreme heat is set to return to southern France after a brief respite, with temperatures in some areas expected to peak at 40°C, Le Figaro reports.

France’s national meteorological agency, Météo-France, announced that an “orange” heat alert will be in effect in seven southern departments from Sunday, July 5. Some of those areas had already been placed under the warning level on July 4.

Temperatures during the hottest hours of the day are expected to reach 35–37°C, with some locations seeing highs of up to 40°C.

Across the rest of the country, with the exception of areas along the English Channel coast, temperatures are forecast to exceed 30°C.

Strong winds are also expected in Mediterranean regions, further increasing the risk of wildfires. Authorities are already battling several forest fires across the area.

By Jeyhun Aghazada