As a sweltering heatwave grips the country, more than half of France's regions are now under red alert, with 49 out of its 96 departments bracing for potentially record-breaking temperatures. The nation is in for a torrid few days, particularly on Monday, as Météo-France warns of highs above 40C in parts of western France.
Weather forecasters predict Bordeaux will reach an eye-watering 43C, while dozens more regions are under orange alert, affecting an estimated 63 million people. The heat has already claimed three lives in the south-west Gironde region over the weekend, with the victims aged between 80 and 95 years old.
French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist appealed to the public on Monday to monitor their elderly neighbours and relatives closely, warning that "many fellow citizens will suffer" during this period. Authorities have responded by closing 845 schools early, while 1,800 students were allowed to finish classes ahead of schedule.
The heatwave is expected to persist throughout the week, with temperatures only set to dip later on Friday. The western coast is expected to bear the brunt of the extreme heat, but much of the country will still see highs between 36C and 40C. Public services are feeling the strain, with SNCF advising vulnerable individuals to postpone or avoid train travel this week.
Several Paris train lines have already reduced services due to the heat, while Belgium's rail operator has announced cancellations for peak-hour services on Monday and Tuesday. The severe weather is not confined to France, with record high temperatures predicted across Europe – including 39C in Madrid and 37C in Rome.