France Braces for Record Fifth Heatwave with High Wildfire Risk; 22 Departments on Orange Alert

France is experiencing its record fifth heatwave of the year, with Météo-France placing 22 departments in the center and southeast on an orange 'canicule' alert for Monday, a number expected to rise to 32 on Tuesday. Temperatures are forecast to exceed 35°C across much of the country, peaking on Thursday. This prolonged heat, coupled with a lack of rainfall in northern regions, significantly increases the risk of wildfires, with active fires already burning in Drôme and Lozère. Storms are also forecast for Monday from the southwest to the German border.