No repeat of 2003 heatwave - yet

METEO France has extended its heatwave alert to Paris and Alsace and has warned that temperatures nationwide will remain higher than seasonal average for most of this weekend.

However the weather forecaster has said the conditions are "less intense" than 2006 and on nowhere near the same scale as 2003, the heatwave in which thousands of people died.

The departments affected by the latest alert are the Rhône, Territoire de Belfort, Haut-Rhin, Bas-Rhin, Paris, Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis and Val de Marne.

The hottest of the weather will be in Strasbourg, which is expecting up to 36°C tomorrow.

The Health Ministry is encouraging everyone to drink plenty of water, protect themselves and children from the sun during the middle of the day and ensure elderly relatives are comfortable.