France Issues Orange Alert for Impending Heatwave, Forecasted to Reach 40°C in Southwest

France is preparing for a new heat wave, with temperatures in the southwest potentially reaching 40°C between Friday and Sunday. Météo-France has placed five departments under an orange heat alert. This event follows France's hottest summer on record, which included 53 days of extreme heat and prolonged drought, contributing to estimated economic damages of 10-15 billion euros.