France has extended the red heatwave alert to 49 départements – half the country – for Monday as the fierce heatwave worsens.
The prolonged heatwave, which began earlier this week, has disrupted the country, forcing the cancellation of dozens of trains, the suspension of classes and prompting the government to ban the consumption of alcohol during the annual Fete de la Musique festival.
On Sunday, Meteo-France extended the highest heatwave warning for 49 of France's départements, or administrative regions, for Monday.
This is up from the warning for 35 départements – roughly a third of the country – for Sunday.
A further 40 departments are on orange alert for Monday.
