Eight departments in western France have been placed under orange heatwave alert as temperatures are expected to reach up to 36C this week.
Météo-France has warned the unprecedented late-May heat will intensify, while French officials say at least seven deaths have already been linked directly or indirectly to the extreme conditions.
The departments under orange alert are Finistère, Ille-et-Vilaine, Loire-Atlantique, Maine-et-Loire, Manche, Mayenne, Morbihan and Vendée.
A further 20 departments have been placed under yellow alert for the heatwave.
Overnight temperatures are once again expected to remain above 20C near the Atlantic coast. In the departments under orange alert, afternoon temperatures are forecast to range between 33C and 36C, reaching remarkable levels for the end of May.
The heatwave has been caused by a “heat dome”, trapping hot air from North Africa over France and western Europe.
Météo-France said Monday was the hottest day ever recorded nationwide for the month of May since records began, with Tuesday expected to be even hotter. Forecasters warn the heatwave could continue until at least the end of the week.
Residents are being advised to drink water regularly, avoid strenuous activity during peak heat hours and seek shade or cool areas where possible. Health officials also warn people to watch for signs of heatstroke, including dizziness, nausea and headaches.
You can check whether your department is affected on the vigilance map below.
