France’s national weather service, Météo-France, has placed half of the country under its highest heat alert level – code red – starting Monday. This signifies a significant escalation in the ongoing heatwave affecting the nation. Temperatures are forecast to continue rising, posing risks to vulnerable populations. The alert covers a large geographical area, prompting concerns about public health and potential strain on infrastructure. Authorities are urging citizens to take precautions, including staying hydrated and avoiding strenuous activity during peak heat hours. The situation is being closely monitored as the heatwave intensifies, with no immediate respite expected. This is a record number of regions under code red alert simultaneously.