Parts of the Charente and Aude departments in southwestern France hit 43°C at the peak of a heatwave, prompting the weather service to raise the alert level to maximum in 12 departments.

Hundreds of firefighters continue to monitor a large wildfire in Aude that broke out last week over an area of 160 km², despite partial containment.

French authorities warned the danger could last weeks, while air quality worsened in Marseille, Paris, and southern regions.