Heatwave heading for south west

Forecaster warns temperatures could edge towards 40 degrees, especially in the Landes

METEO France has warned of a heatwave striking the south west from today.

Temperatures could reach 40 degrees, especially in the Landes department and Météo France is warning people not to go out during the hottest part of the day.

Along with the Landes, the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Gironde, Dordogne, le Lot-et-Garonne, Gers, the neighbouring departments of the Lot, Tarn-et-Garonne, Hautes-Pyrénées, Haute-Garonne, and Tarn will also be feeling the heat.

The forecaster predicts the heat will break with the arrival of storms on Friday or Saturday.

Météo France has listed five main measures for people to take during a heatwave:
• Drink 1.5litres per day
• Avoid going out in the hottest times and avoid physical activity. Keep your home cool: close windows and shutters during the day and open them at night when it is cooler
• Freshen and cool your body several times a day by taking showers or baths or using a wet facecloth to wipe yourself down
• If possible, spend two or three hours in a cool place such as a cinema, a library or a supermarket
• Help frail and aged people – and, if you need help, ask your mairie.