Much of France under highest heat alert as temperatures soar

Much of France has been placed under the highest heat alert as temperatures are expected to climb to as high as 41 degrees Celsius on Sunday.

Météo France said on Saturday that a red alert level would be in effect in 35 departments, including the Paris region, while a further 45 departments would be placed under the second-highest orange alert.

Temperatures of between 38 and 41 degrees Celsius are forecast across affected areas.

The French government announced emergency measures ahead of the annual Fête de la Musique celebrations, which are due to take place across the country on Sunday.

Following a crisis meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, the government said prefects in departments under red alert would impose bans on alcohol consumption in public spaces.

Authorities also urged people to limit alcohol consumption during the widely celebrated music festival in order to reduce pressure on emergency services.

France is already experiencing its second major heatwave of the year. An earlier spell of extreme temperatures in May was described by Météo France as "unprecedented, historic and exceptional" for that time of year.