France could see its hottest weekend of the year with temperatures over 40C and wildfire warnings

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🗞️ Driving the news: France is set to experience its hottest weekend of the year, with temperatures expected to exceed 40°C, particularly in Bordeaux, where a peak of 43°C is forecasted on Sunday
• This marks the second heatwave in southern France within days, triggering an orange heatwave warning in several regions

🔭 The context: The extreme temperatures follow an ongoing trend of heatwaves across Europe, exacerbating risks such as wildfires
• Authorities have issued high fire risk alerts in south-eastern France, closing areas in Bouches-du-Rhône and Var to visitors as a precaution

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Frequent and intense heatwaves are a direct consequence of climate change, stressing the need for improved heatwave and fire management systems globally
• The impact on public health and safety during these events is becoming increasingly severe

⏭️ What's next: The heat is expected to break by Monday, but not before potential violent thunderstorms hit parts of France
• Authorities remain on high alert, managing both heat and fire risks

💬 One quote: "This is a 'non-exceptional but fairly long-lasting heatwave, requiring special vigilance, particularly for sensitive or exposed people' according to Météo-France"

📈 One stat: Bordeaux is expected to hit 43°C on Sunday, a significant spike in temperature for the region

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