Heatwave alerts issued for most of France today as temperatures rise

A yellow heatwave alert has been issued for 50 departments in France today (August 2), with the peak of the high temperatures expected to hit tomorrow and Thursday (August 3 and 4).

The Pyrénées-Orientales, Gard, Drôme, Vaucluse and Ardèche have been on orange alert since Sunday, July 31. So far only the north and north west of the country has escaped the alerts.

Read more: Five French departments on heatwave alert as high temperatures return

Temperatures of up to 40C are expected in parts of the southwest on August 3 and 4, said forecaster Météo France.

The warnings mark the third heatwave in France this summer. However, Météo France said that “the intensity and length will be less than the previous heatwave episode”.

Thunderstorms are expected by the end of the week, bringing cooler temperatures. However, hotter weather is again forecast at the beginning of next week.

It comes as all of France's 96 departments are today on drought alert with many under major water restrictions.

Read more: Drought map update: See the French departments with water restrictions

In Dordogne, two communes are now no longer allowed to wash their cars or water their gardens due to severe water restrictions.

Read more: South-west France residents cannot water gardens for three months

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