France braces for heat wave as temperatures climb toward 40C

PARIS — France is gradually bracing for a potential heat wave from Wednesday, with temperatures expected to reach 37C in several regions, according to broadcaster BFM TV.The heat wave is expected to affect most of the country, with temperatures ranging between 30C and 36C, and even higher in some areas, while a few regions are expected to remain less affected.Around 40 departments have reportedly been placed under a yellow weather alert, stretching from the Hautes-Pyrenees to the Paris region and from Charente-Maritime to Savoie.In the northern half of the country, temperatures are expected to reach around 31C, including in Paris.The heat is forecast to intensify further in Vichy, Roanne, Angouleme and Perigueux, where temperatures could climb to 33C.In the Toulouse area and the Rhone Valley, temperatures are expected to reach 36C, while some locations could see highs of 37C.According to the French weather service, Meteo-France, the heat wave is expected to persist throughout the week, with temperatures potentially peaking at 40C on Sunday.