France expanded its highest heat wave alert to 35 departments as temperatures are forecast to reach 42C and approach national records amid growing wildfire and public health concerns.

The French weather forecaster Météo France has extended its 'orange alert' heatwave warning to cover the whole of the centre and most of the south-west of the country on Friday.

Nearly two-thirds of France is now under an orange heatwave alert as people battle extreme temperatures across the country. #EuropeNews

France is bracing for a prolonged and intense heatwave, with a red alert issued for over a third of the nation on Sunday. Authorities are taking precautions, including a ban on…