August is predicted to get off to a blazing start in France with the return of high temperatures and wildfire warnings.
After a relatively cool and slightly rainy end to July, the hot temperatures are forecast to return to France as August begins, with temperatures predicted to rise throughout the week.
Météo France says that on average, the country will be 2C above seasonal norms for August, with temperatures of 25C in Cherbourg, 30C in Paris and up to 34C in Gap, 35C in Toulouse and 36C in Alès and Bordeaux on Monday.
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Tuesday is likely to be cloudy and rainy in places, although still warm, and then temperatures will rise from Wednesday with highs of 40C predicted by the end of the week in southern France.
Temperatures of 39C in Bordeaux and Toulouse, 37C in Tarbes and 38C in Lyon are predicted for Thursday and Friday, while Météo France says “the 40C bar will doubtless be passed between now and Sunday.”
The département of Aude, which includes Carcassonne, is experiencing severe drought and has been placed on red alert for the risk of wildfires from Tuesday. The rest of the Mediterranean coast remains on orange alert for fire risk.
Tuesday’s wildfire alerts in France. Map: Meteo France