France is preparing for an intense heatwave, with 60 departments currently under orange alert and potential for red alert status Sunday. National weather service Météo-France forecasts Monday could be the hottest day ever recorded in the country, regardless of month. As a precaution, oral baccalaureate exams – a crucial part of the French high school leaving certificate – have been postponed in the academies of Bordeaux, Lyon, Montpellier, Poitiers, and Nantes. The number of departments on orange alert has increased by seven since Friday. Authorities are anticipating exceptionally high temperatures across the nation. This decision aims to protect students from the health risks associated with extreme heat during these important examinations.