Longest day could see 40C in Paris

Only Brittany, Lorraine and the Mediterranean coast escape the heatwave warning across France today as it has been extended to 66 departments from the 51 on Tuesday.

Temperatures on the longest day of the year are expected to hit 37C in Paris – and 40C in some spots – and across central and western areas with local thunderstorms following in late afternoon.

Météo France says heavy, hot weather is expected across a large part of the country and people should take care to avoid spending too long in the sun and to drink plenty of water.

First thunderstorms are expected in the Pyrénées, Alps and Massif Central but may also hit lowlands in Normandy, Centre, Burgundy and Midi-Pyrénées.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Brittany will have low cloud shielding the sun this morning, but clearing quickly, while the Meditewrranean coast will also be cloudy early on but clearing to a very hot and dry day.

Yesterday saw temperatures hitting 36C in Bordeaux and Le Mans, 35C in Paris, Cognac, Mont-de-Marsan, Poitiers and Toulouse while just 20C in Finistère.