Aerial images show parts of the Loire River in western France have dried up so much that only a few sandbanks remain. The early heatwave that has gripped the country is expected to intensify, with temperatures set to reach 41 degrees Celsius on Friday.
The French meteorological service, Météo-France, announced that nine departments in the Loire Valley and western France would be placed on the highest level – a red alert for extreme heat. Meanwhile, 76 other departments will be under orange alert, while only Corsica, the French Riviera and the northern tip of the country are not included in the warnings.
The warnings come after wildfires in southern France forced about 10,000 people to flee their homes. Dry vegetation has helped the flames spread rapidly in some regions of the country. European Union scientists confirmed that Western Europe had its hottest June on record.
Meanwhile, France’s High Climate Council warned that the country’s efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change remain insufficient. Due to the situation, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will chair an inter-ministerial crisis meeting to coordinate government measures.
Local authorities in several departments have already begun imposing restrictions on water use to cope with the drought and extreme temperatures. /Telegraph