France issues highest heat alert as temperatures approach records (opens original article in a new tab)

France issued the highest heat alert for 35 departments as temperatures approach record levels, with prolonged heat and fire risks, and multiple drowning incidents reported.

• France placed 35 departments under red heat alert with temperatures approaching 41C
• Meteo-France warns of record temperatures and heat wave lasting through next week
• Four departments under high forest fire risk, rising to 11 on Monday
• At least four drowning deaths linked to extreme weather