40C forecast for south-east France while storms due in north

Heatwave warnings have been lifted across most of France today (August 1) but heightened orange alerts continue for 13 departments in the south and south-east. 

Warnings also remain in other departments in the south, such as Aude, Haute-Loire, Cantal, and Savoie, but have dropped to a less severe tier-two yellow level.

It comes as more than 40 departments in the north and east face storm warnings, also at a lower level. 

Earlier forecasts for today saw more than 60 departments placed on a tier-three orange alert for both heatwave and storms, however the drop in temperature has been sharper than initially expected, and storms are not as powerful as first thought. 

Read more: What action is advised with different Météo France weather warnings

‘Tropical evening’ on final day of wider heatwave

Parts of the north, west, and south-west will see temperatures drop by up to 8C today. 

Read more: MAP: See temperatures expected around France on Thursday

However, overnight temperatures reached above 20C across most of the country (July 31 - August 1), leading to an extra night of uncomfortable sleep for many.

Along parts of the Mediterranean coastline, temperatures have not dropped below 25C for several days.

Where heightened heatwave warnings remain, temperatures are set to be between 30C to 38C today, potentially up to 40C in Corsica. 

It has led these areas to initiate anti-heatwave plans, including special care for elderly and vulnerable residents, as well as measures to try to keep the public cool. 

In Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône, facing orange heatwave warnings) all public swimming pools will be free from midday today until heatwave alerts are lifted. The Plage des Catalans beach will also remain open 24/7 until alerts end. 

Storms hit north-east 

Elsewhere, Atlantic storms that swept over western parts of the country earlier in the week have now settled in the centre and north-east. 

The storms will pick up in intensity during the afternoon, after bringing showers in the morning to most affected departments. 

Gales of up to 80km/h are also forecast, and in the fiercest storms, small hailstones may form. 

Yesterday (July 31), trains between Paris and the south of France were disrupted after a tree fell on the main high-speed line between the capital and Lyon, damaging a train. 

Read more: TGV hits tree on tracks between Paris and Lyon, delays on route

You can keep up to date with all official weather warnings on the official Météo France website.