Rhône is placed on heatwave alert

A HEATWAVE warning has been issued for the Rhône, with high temperatures expected across large parts of the south of France this week.

Météo France has issued an "orange" alert for the department – the second highest level out of four – after temperatures in Lyon reached 37°C on Sunday afternoon.

The weather organisation said the heatwave risk was clearly less serious than that of 2003, when thousands of people died in France, but precautions still needed to be taken.

It is encouraging everyone to drink at least 1.5 litres of water and has warned old people to avoid going out during the hottest part of the day.

Temperatures ranging from 28°C to 37°C are expected across the south-west of France and the Rhône valley this week.

The heat will reach its peak on Wednesday afternoon, but Météo France has predicted that temperatures will remain high until Friday when storms are likely.