A significant heatwave is set to impact southwestern and southeastern France, coinciding with the first sunny day of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Starting Sunday morning, temperatures are expected to soar, with highs reaching up to 40°C in some areas.

Météo-France has issued an orange alert for 13 departments, including Haute-Corse and several in the southwest, due to the extreme heat originating from Spain.

The heat will intensify over the next few days, with warnings for dehydration and heat-related illnesses, especially for vulnerable populations.

While the northern regions will experience milder temperatures, the heat is expected to spread northward early next week.

Residents are advised to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours.