France on Alert Due to Prolonged Heatwave

France is on alert due to a prolonged heatwave. The country's meteorological service has placed many regions on high alert as the heatwave spreads from the southwest to the north and east.

The national meteorological institute forecasts maximum temperatures of 36 degrees Celsius for the Paris region and 40°C for the Rhone Valley, well above average temperatures for the season. Only a small part of northwestern France is expected to escape the intense heat.

In the Rhone department, outdoor construction work has been suspended and public events outdoors or in non-air-conditioned buildings have been banned. Many weather stations in southwestern France recorded record temperatures.

Health Minister Catherine Vautrin assured that hospitals are on standby. The heatwave is expected to last at least until the weekend of August 15, possibly until August 19 or 20.