Seven people have died in France in circumstances related directly or indirectly to an extreme early-summer heatwave affecting western Europe. French Junior Energy Minister Maud Bregeon stated on Tuesday that five of the deaths were by drowning, while two people died competing in sporting events.
The heatwave has already seen record-breaking temperatures, with both France and the UK setting record highs for May. On Tuesday, eight departments in western France were placed on orange heat alert, marking a first for the month of May.
Temperatures were forecast to rise further on Tuesday as the heatwave was expected to intensify. Parts of France and Spain are on course to see 40C heat later this week.