France on heatwave alert

National forecaster Météo France places 45 departments on orange alert for heat as temperatures soar

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France is set to bake under a heatwave that will last between six and eight days, weather forecasters have warned.

After a few days' respite following the last hot period, temperatures started to pick up again across the country on Thursday. National forecaster Météo France said temperatures would climb 'from Thursday afternoon', reaching between 34C and 37C in the northern half of the country, and as high as 40C in some parts of the south.

The forecaster has placed 45 departments on orange alert for heat. Night-time temperatures are expected to remain above 20C in Paris and a part of southwestern France.