Temperatures set to soar from June 1 as summer arrives in France

As far as meteorologists are concerned, summer in the northern hemisphere begins on June 1 - and it seems that this year, the weather in France agrees, with a small heatwave forecast for the next week.

The whole country is set to bask in warm air from Africa from Tuesday - with the mercury set to soar towards 30C in Paris - and while temperatures will not be significantly out of the ordinary for the time of year, it will be a marked difference from the fresher conditions of recent weeks.

Temperatures on Tuesday (June 1) afternoon are expected reach almost 30C in Rennes, Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux, 28 to 29°C in Nantes, Strasbourg, Dijon and Bergerac, lower than the highest early June temperatures for these cities but still pleasantly hot after the recent relatively low temperatures.

Forecasters have also warned those tempted to the coasts by the sudden arrival of summer to beware of sea temperatures - which are lower than normal for the time of year, increasing the risk of cold shock response because of the difference in temperature.

The high temperatures will bring storms from Wednesday (June 2) afternoon, after which it will feel fresher for a short time, before warm weather returns to the east of the country for a second time.