Sixteen French departments have been placed on the highest red weather alert level by Meteo-France as a major heatwave affects much of the country.

Axar.az reports, citing French media, the red alert applies to parts of central-western France, Ile-de-France, Aquitaine, and several other regions, including Aube, Correze, Eure-et-Loir, Gers, Lot, Nievre, Yonne, and Loire-Atlantique.

Temperatures are expected to reach 42°C in some areas, with nighttime temperatures remaining unusually high.

A total of 92 departments are under red, orange, or yellow alerts, with authorities warning of extreme heat and exceptional storms in some regions.

Meteo-France advised residents to stay hydrated, avoid the hottest hours of the day, keep homes cool by ventilating at night, and seek medical assistance in case of heat-related illness.