A person jumps into the Canal de l'Ourcq in Paris, France on Monday, as temperatures soared to new record highs for the month of May. TOM NICHOLSON/REUTERS
Delivery drivers in France and workers on farms and construction sites have been told to stay indoors if possible, after a record-breaking heat wave has made outdoor work unsafe.
The heat wave has brought temperatures to the country during May that are usually only seen at the height of summer, with much of the nation experiencing between 32 C and 35 C on Monday, and with the southwest recording a high of 37.1 C.
Meteo France, France's weather agency, said: "Monday was the hottest day recorded for the month of May since measurements began."
The country usually experiences temperatures of between 18 C and 24 C during May, prompting Meteo France to describe the heat wave as a "premature, remarkable and long" event. It said Tuesday was on course to be even hotter, and that temperatures would stay high all week.
