A "new heatwave episode" is causing temperatures to rise sharply across western France, leading Météo France to place 43 departments under an orange alert for high temperatures.

Météo France has placed 49 departments under a 'red' heatwave alert and 40 others under an 'orange' alert, effective Monday, as a severe heatwave impacts the country.

Météo France is inviting the French public to submit name suggestions for the upcoming storm season, which begins on September 1, 2026, with submissions open until May 21 and specific rules to follow.

Météo France has issued an orange warning for elevated wildfire and heat risks across 27 departments in France. The situation is expected to intensify on Tuesday.

France is experiencing an unprecedented and historically unusual heatwave for May, which has lasted for over a week, according to the national meteorological service, Météo France.

The controversial American platform Polymarket is under scrutiny again after unusual temperature increases recorded by Météo France sensors in Roissy coincided with bettors winning thousands of euros on the platform.

Violent thunderstorms have led to electricity cuts affecting 53,000 households in France, according to Enedis. Météo France had issued warnings for severe stormy weather.

More than half of France experienced monthly heat records between May 23 and 27, with Météo France reporting approximately 109 minimum and 266 maximum monthly temperature records.

Guadeloupe and Martinique are bracing for another year of massive sargassum seaweed strandings, with Météo France issuing strong to very strong stranding forecasts for the French Antilles.